As the corruption trial of former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke continues, his defense gears up to make their case to the jury. The Chicago Tribune reports that Burke's team has been outlining a defense where Burke allegedly never promised any official action in exchange for developers hiring his private law firm. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur is expected to finish her closing arguments Thursday morning, highlighting the ex-alderman's purported attempts to strong-arm the Old Post Office renovation developers.
Prosecutors have built their case around claims that Burke sought to illegally coerce entities into using his tax appeal services, but defense lawyers are preparing to fiercely counter these allegations. According to The Chicago Tribune, they've pointed out that Burke was never paid in any of the schemes he's accused of. Moreover, the defense has thrown shade at the government's key witness, Daniel Solis, portraying him as someone willing to say anything to lessen his legal jeopardy.
Former Alderman Solis has been a significant figure in the trial, serving as a government informant after facing his legal troubles. His extended cooperation with the FBI has yielded around 20,000 recordings, some of which feature Burke in what prosecutors allege to be incriminating conversations. ABC7 Chicago quotes a wiretapped call where Burke cryptically mentions landing "the tuna" in relation to the Old Post Office deal.
Burke's attorney, Chris Gair, grilled Solis about his motivations for cooperating with the government, with Solis admitting, "yes," in response to whether he was trying to save himself. Details from an ABC7 Chicago report demonstrate the defense's efforts to cast doubt on Solis' credibility, especially regarding his tactics to engage Burke in conversation and to subsequently deceive him.
As the battle of narratives unfolds, Burke faces 14 counts of various corruption charges, while his longtime aide Peter Andrews and real estate developer Charles Cui face related charges. With closing arguments underway and the prosecution nearly done presenting its side, the jury is expected to soon deliberate the fate of a once-powerful figure in Chicago's political landscape. U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall has expressed hope that the case will reach the jury by the week's end.
