WJBC : Appeals court upholds Ryan conviction

Appeals court upholds Ryan conviction

August 21, 2007

Former Governor George Ryan has been free on bond since being convicted on racketeering and other charges.

In granting the unusual appeal bond, the U.S. Court of Appeals had said that once it reached its decision Ryan would have to go to prison immediately to serve his time.

Now, Ryan's conviction has been upheld.

The three-judge panel, in a 2-1 split decision, turned down Ryan's request for a new trial on the grounds that jury deliberations were flawed.

It is not immediately clear if there is some way to delay the start of the sentence.

Ryan has been sentenced to six years in federal prison.