Willis may speak at Ryan sentencing
Defense objects to offer by dad of 6 killed in crash
As Ryan's attorneys pleaded for a light sentence, warning he could "die in prison," prosecutors disclosed that the Rev. Scott Willis has offered to briefly testify at Ryan's sentencing hearing, scheduled for Wednesday.
Willis, his wife, Janet, and six of their children were on a Wisconsin highway in 1994 when their van was hit by a piece of metal that fell from a semi-trailer truck. The van exploded, killing all of the children. The Illinois trucker had paid a bribe for his license while Ryan headed the secretary of state's office.
Ryan's lawyers on Thursday objected and asked that Willis instead offer written testimony. Lawyers for Ryan's co-defendant, Lawrence Warner, asked for a separate sentencing hearing if Willis testifies.
U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said she would consider the request and could rule on it as early as today.
If she allows it, she would limit testimony to 15 minutes. Ryan's defense will offer up "a handful" of witnesses at the sentencing as well, said Bradley Lerman, a Ryan defense lawyer.
In arguing for a lower sentence, his lawyers said the 72-year-old Ryan has reached ''advanced age'' and suffers from Crohn's disease and diabetes. If given a sentence like the six-year term his top aide received for a similar conviction, ''it is highly likely that he will die in prison,'' they said.
They also argued that Ryan's family needs him, particularly his wife, Lura Lynn, who suffers from a brain aneurysm, they said.
His lawyers cite numerous letters written by family members and friends and his work as governor and secretary of state. That includes Ryan's historic 2003 decision to clear Death Row and his funding of Illinois FIRST, a $12 billion capital construction project.
"Ryan is not a hardened criminal or a man who threatens society," his lawyers continued. "His character, his generosity, his love of family and friends -- all these fine qualities showed themselves often and in abundance throughout George Ryan's life, yet they were not the focus of the lengthy trial that resulted in his conviction."
Ryan's lawyers also argue he should not have to report immediately to prison but be free on bond as he awaits what could be a lengthy appeal.
Ryan's lawyers say this April's verdict, a sweeping conviction on racketeering, mail fraud and false statement charges, was clouded because of issues with jurors in the case. Eight days into deliberations, two jurors were swapped out after the judge learned they had not disclosed their criminal records. A new panel with two alternates later returned the verdict.
The filing also indicates the government is seeking more time for Ryan under a "bodily injury" enhancement, arguing that he knew the dangers tied to the sale of driver's licenses for bribes. His lawyers object, saying no enhancement was applied to two state officials directly tied to selling a fraudulent license to the truck driver involved in the Willis crash.
But prosecutors have argued that it was Ryan who dismantled the investigative unit of his secretary of state's office after reports of corruption.