Chicago - Indicted Former Illinois Governor George Ryan 78, has been released from a federal prison in Wisonsin. The Governor, who was once applauded for his stance on the death penalty, was convicted of racketeering, conspiracy and tax fraud. He served five and a half years in the Wisconsin prison.
Ryan, an Army veteran was governor of the state of Illinois for 4 years. From 1999 until 2003. He was convicted by the United States Supreme Court in 2006. Ryan also served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1973 until 1983.
Ryan garnered national attention opening dialogue forth on capital punishment. Ryan declared a moratorium on the states death penalty. " There is a flaw in the system, without question, and it needs to be studied." Ryan once stated regarding his states death penalty.
Wednesday morning, the Governor made his way to a Salvation Army half-way house in Chicago. He is expected to do a brief stint there, before finally heading to his home in down state Kankakee. A home he has not seen in over five years.
His return home however will be a somber one. One mad all the more difficult given the fact that he is returning home after the loss of his loyal wife of Lura Lynn. The couple had been married for 55 years before Lura Lynn Ryan lost her life last June.
Comments