Former Illinois Governor Found Guilty of Fraud, Racketeering

(CNSNews.com) - Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan was convicted Monday of fraud and racketeering in a corruption scandal that brought his career to a halt three years ago. Ryan, who made headlines worldwide when he commuted the sentences of everyone on death row in the state, said he would appeal the verdict, the Associated Press reports. "I believe this decision today is not in accordance with the kind of public service that I provided to the people of Illinois over 40 years, and needless to say I am disappointed in the outcome," AP quoted the former governor as saying. He faces up to 20 years behind bars for a racketeering conspiracy charge alone.