High Court Lets Stand Gov. Ryan’s Conviction

WASHINGTON (CN) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to hear former Illinois Gov. George Ryan's appeal of his fraud and racketeering conviction, leaving the politician in prison to serve out his 6-year term.

Ryan, 74, claimed he did not receive a fair trial after Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer replaced two jurors with alternates while deliberations were under way.

The court made no comment in rejecting the appeal.

The 7th U.S. Court of Appeals had upheld the conviction.

Ryan, 74, will serve out his 6½-year prison sentence at a minimum security camp in Terre Haute, Ind.

Ryan, a one-term Republican, did not run again when his term ended in 2003. He was convicted in 2006 of lying to federal agents, using tax money for his campaign, and taking bribes in exchange for state contracts.

Ryan's sentence could be reduced by up to 15 percent for good behavior.

Courthouse News reporter Joe Harris contributed to this report.

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