By Edward LaSalle, The Chicago Times
June 8, 2022
CHICAGO – Federal prosecutors are pressing hard for a two-year prison sentence for former Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson (D) for cheating on his taxes and lying to federal regulators.
In response, Thompson’s defense team has requested probation due to Thompson’s disbarment and forced resignation from the Chicago City Council.
On February 14, 2022, Thompson was found guilty on two counts of making false statements to the FDIC and five counts of filing false income-tax returns. Thompson’s sentencing is set for July 6. Both sentencing recommendations will be decided by U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama.
According to prosecutors, Thompson’s “criminal conduct was repetitive and willful. The defendant’s dishonesty was not a single lapse of judgment, but rather, involved years of deceit. He simply thought he could get away with paying less than what he owed. The sentence imposed must show otherwise.”
Thompson’s attorney, Chris Gair, argued that Thompson has “suffered tremendous public humiliation as a result of his conviction. He has had to give up his law license and his position in public service,” Gair wrote. “He has lost his job and his career. He has lost most of his life savings defending himself. He has lost his cherished right to vote. He has lost his right to possess a firearm. And he will suffer significant restrictions on his liberty as a result of being on probation.”
Thompson is the grandson of the late Mayor Richard J. Daley (D) and the nephew of former Mayor Richard M. Daley (D).
The Chicago Times 