A proud Chicago tradition: Another alderman indicted

"We're Getting Things Done,
Willie B. Cochran"

Just two months after former Alderman Sandi Jackson (7th) was released from prison a current member of the shameful Chicago City Council has been indicted.

From CBS Chicago:

Ald. Willie Cochran (20th) has been indicted on federal charges, for allegedly shaking down businessmen in his ward for bribes, and for allegedly looting money from a charity he ran.

The 15-count indictment made public on Wednesday charges Cochran with 11 counts of wire fraud, two counts of federal program bribery, and two counts of extortion.

The indictment accuses Cochran of soliciting donations to the 20th Ward Activities Fund, claiming the money would be used for various charitable causes; but then using money from the fund to pay for his daughter’s college tuition, to gamble at casinos, and to purchase items for his home.

According to the indictment, Cochran told donors the fund would be used to help families in the 20th Ward, including school supplies and clothing for a back-to-school picnic, a Valentine's Day event for seniors, and food and clothing for annual Thanksgiving and Christmas-related events.

Cochran's ward covers some of the most impoverished areas of Chicago's South Side, including the notorious Englewood neighborhood.

Roughly every 18 months a current for former Chicago alderman is convicted of a crime. Last month former Ald. Ed Vrdolyak of the 10th Ward was indicted. "Fast Eddie," the former chairman of the Cook County Regular Democratic Organization, better known as The Machine, later became a Republican.

Of Cochran's indictment, embattled Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, "You cannot use public service for your own personal gain." Thanks for letting us know, Rahm. Please pass that advice on to the other 49 members of the City Council.

Cochran's predecessor, Arenda Troutman, checked into the House-with-Many-Doors-and-Locks in 2008. Another 20th Ward alderman, Clifford Kelley, booked his stay at the Orange Jump Suit Junction in 1987.

"Most aldermen, most politicians are hos," Troutman was caught on tape by the FBI.

Chicago's population hasn't been as low as it is now in 100 years.