Politics & Government
South Side Chicago Alderman Indicted
Willie Cochran accused of extortion and other federal charges as he used cash to pay for college tuition and gambling.
CHICAGO, IL — Gambling and college tuition led a Chicago alderman to shake down 20th Ward business people and use his own charity fund for casino gambling and his daughter's college tuition, according to a 15-count federal indictment announced Wednesday.
Ald. Willie Cochran, a former Chicago police officer recently re-elected to his third term on the Chicago City Countil, faces charges of wire fraud, bribery and extortion. As the indictment was announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Cochran was in city council chambers.
The feds allege he shook down a lawyer and local liquor store owner for money in exchange for his services as alderman. Cochran, 64, represents the Back of the Yards, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Washington Park and Woodlawn communities in the 20th Ward.
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more via DNAinfo Chicago and the Chicago Tribune
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