(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The city of Chicago is expected to say, effectively, “Not so fast,” as a former alderman gets what some consider to be lenient treatment by federal prosecutors investigating public corruption.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday confirmed she has asked city counsel to file a “Victim’s Impact Statement” in connection with the bribery case against ex-Ald. Danny Solis.
Under an agreement with federal authorities unsealed this week, Solis could emerge unscathed if he continues to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago. So far, he reportedly has helped the feds hook Ald. Edward Burke and former House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Lightfoot is not pleased at the revelation.
"There can be no doubt that former Alderman Solis violated the public trust in profound ways, not the least of which was by monetizing his position as Zoning Committee Chairman for the benefit of himself and others, likely for years,” she said in a statement. “Because of all of the crimes that have been put on the public record, Solis victimized the residents of his ward and residents in the entire city, all of whom were deprived of the integrity and honesty that should be sacrosanct with all public officials.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu said he learned of the city’s interest in filing a pleading in Solis’ case Wednesday morning. Neither he nor Solis’ attorney, Lisa Noller, objected to a short delay in Solis’ case so the city could make its case as a victim.
Bhachu also said the government “always invites” the participation of victims. But he added, “whether or not, in this case, the city actually is a victim, remains to be determined. It is doubtful it is, in fact, the case.”
U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood agreed to continue part of Solis’ hearing until April 21.
Before she did so, Solis formally pleaded not guilty to a bribery charge filed against him last week.
Solis’ deal, signed Dec. 26, 2018, means his prosecution on one count of bribery could be put off until 2025. Assuming he continues to cooperate with prosecutors and meets other terms of the deal, prosecutors have promised to seek dismissal of that charge and not prosecute Solis for other conduct he’s disclosed.
Contributing: Sun-Times Media Wire
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