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* Lots of people have called for HDO founder Victor Reyes’ head, but that may not happen. To his credit, Mark Brown - who used his column for years to excoriate Reyes and the HDO - takes a look at the future…
The highest-ranking HDO leader indicted was former Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Al Sanchez, who ran a political street army of perhaps 100 patronage workers for HDO. […]
Defense lawyer Tom Breen, who represents both [Victor Reyes] and Sanchez but represented Reyes first, says he would not have taken Sanchez as a client if he “thought there was any chance of any charges being brought against Victor Reyes.”
Others came to a similar conclusion when federal prosecutors raised no objection to Breen taking Sanchez’s case. Often under those circumstances, they will complain about a conflict of interest.
That’s a very good point. The feds never batted an eye about Breen’s representation. Onward…
Reyes left city employment in 2002, and it’s possible the statute of limitations has run out on any potential case against him, although Breen won’t make that assertion.
It’s not only possible that the statutes of limitation have expired, it’s probable.
…Adding… The Tribune has reported that Reyes left his city job in 2000. [Hat tip to a commenter]
More…
Some of us assumed Reyes did everything Sorich did and more, but obviously, the U.S. attorney’s office felt the evidence against him was weaker.
The difference between Reyes and Sorich is that Sorich altered records, falsified documents, etc. The patronage hiring was the same sort of thing, but the office under Reyes was far more careful about how they went about it.
Convincing the courts to make violations of the Shakman Decree a criminal offense was a whole lot simpler and cut and dried with Sorich because Sorich’s office got so sloppy. Now that the appellate court has upheld Sorich’s conviction, further prosecutions will be much easier. But, as Brown noted above, the statute of limitations has likely expired on Reyes.
I know that this post will make some heads explode, particularly among those who repeatedly blame “The evil Combine” for putting the “ill” in Illinois, but it may be time to face reality.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 10:18 am
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Actually, it was Luis Guitterez who used Brown’s column to excoriate Reyes and HDO.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 10:28 am
If the federales had anything substantial on Reyes, it likely would have come to light by now. Daley can breathe a sigh of relief on this one.
It’s also interesting to note that HDO-backed 12th ward alderman George Cardenas has essentially ceased raising campaign cash. A mere coincidence, no doubt.
Comment by The Doc Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 10:36 am
Reyes may have walked away from his place at the trough but family members still suck away at the public till.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 10:38 am
Anon, more like Dick Mell.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 10:39 am
If that’s the case, it’s a huge victory for Daley. One less buffer to worry about.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 10:48 am
Not to get all religious on ya all, but I believe their is a special place reserved for those who let others take the fall for them. Too me, it is about as low as you can go.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 11:05 am
According to the Tribune, Reyes left city government in 2000, not 2002.
I’m shocked that Mark Brown (or the Sun Times) would allow a factual error to make it into the paper. It’s got to be a first.
http://www.chicagotribune.com
/news/local/chicago/chi-0601290286jan29,0,7890676.story
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 11:06 am
The deeper problem is that one-third of the voters in this state chose to rely on agencies such as the U.S. Attorney to create any change. The Feds can’t do everything.
Another third WANTS the creeps and their political warlords in office because they “do a good job.” Ignorance is bliss.
Then everybody gnashes their teeth when John Q. Public repeatedly gets screwed, or worse.
Go figure. It’s Illinois.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 11:07 am
Mark Brown’s column is significant because it shows that the statue of limitations has run out most likely on some important people.The only exception would be if the U.S. Attorney charged certain individuals with being part of a “continuing criminal enterprise”.
Comment by Steve Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 11:17 am
I beleive that if its an ongoing conspiracy, there is no statute of limitations!
Comment by anon Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 11:51 am
there is an interesting comparison here between Reyes/Sorich and Ryan/Blagovich. While Ryan did get caught, my sense of the infromation floating around is that Ryan was a lot more careful then Blago has been. The Govs opperation is just as corrupt, but looks to be running a lot sloppier then the Ryan operation. For example, the tape recording with Celini complaining the Gov fund raisers are way to heavy handed and are going to get everyone busted. Blago appears ot be heading for a much harder fall more in line with a Sorich style operation then a Ryan one.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 12:36 pm
Wishful thinking on your part, Ghost. The governor has not been charged with anything and probably won’t since he always does things the right way.
No one cares what a washed up republican says about Blagojevich’s fundraisers. He is probably just jealous.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 1:00 pm
Bill’s back on the sauce. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 1:09 pm
Good. “Reasonable Doubt for a Reasonable Fee.”
Comment by Happy Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 1:29 pm
This would be the Bill formerly know as just Bill
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 2:07 pm
Bill, Bill, Bill sometimes you say the most naive things. You can’t really believe that garbage your trying to push. “Since he always does things the right way” I can’t believe you said that.
Comment by downhereforyears Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 2:55 pm
It should be noted that Reyes served as a CTA Board member after leaving his city job. Perhaps the feds should check to see what shady actions may have taken place there, actions which would be more recent and within the Statute of Limitations.
Comment by fedup dem Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 3:11 pm
You’re reading that Trib columnist too much, methinks.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 3:12 pm
I’ll amend that remark.
You’re believing his dark dramatics too much.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 3:15 pm
“Convincing the courts to make violations of the Shakman Decree a criminal offense was a whole lot simpler and cut and dried with Sorich .. ”
Sorich was convicted of 2 counts of mail fraud.
Comment by BannedForLife Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 4:51 pm
I wish someone would take a look at the lack of action by the Chicago Office of the Inspector General. The I.G. was a joke. Daley controlled it. Oh, Well.
Comment by Deep Water Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 5:29 pm
Chicago controls just about everything these days. There’s a huge sucking sound coming from Chicago.
Comment by Q Tuesday, Jul 8, 08 @ 8:14 pm