Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Ed Burke was once one of the most powerful people on Chicago’s City Council. Secretly-recorded conversations of former alderman Ed Burke are being revealed to the public in an ongoing federal trial.

Federal prosecutors said they revealed Burke tried to use his political clout to drive business to his own law firm.

It’s been a damaging week of testimony in the federal government’s case against Ed Burke. Much of the damage has been caused by his own words.

This week, jurors heard the now infamous “landing the tuna” comment while listening to secret FBI recordings between Burke and former alderman turned government mole, Danny Solis. It wasn’t the only time Burke mentioned “tuna” to Solis.

“If we land the tuna, there certainly will be a day of accounting, you can count on that,” Burke said in an evidence recording.

Jurors learned Friday that the day of accounting never happened.

In 2017, Burke tried to land property tax appeal business for his private law firm, Klafter and Burke, from the developer of the Old Post Office, according to prosecutors.

Harry Skydell was having issues with the massive $600 million renovation of the Old Post Office. At the suggestion of Solis, developer Skydell asked for Burke’s help to intervene. After a few months with no commitments from Skydell to use Burke’s firm, the former powerful Finance Committee Chairman showed his frustration with Skydell during another recorded conversation with Solis.

“As far as the I’m concerned, they can go F– themselves,” Burke said in an evidence recording.

Two years after Burke pitched his law firm to Skydell, the developer agreed to use Klafter and Burke for two other Loop buildings his company had recently purchased. JLL Executive Bryan Oyster, the general manager of the buildings, testified no money was ever paid to Burke’s firm because one deal had yet to be signed and the other Klafter and Burke suddenly canceled it.

The timing of the deal was a few weeks after Burke’s City Hall Finance Committee office was raided.

Prosecutors wrapped up the Old Post Office portion of the trial with another recording between Burke and Solis. In it, Solis talked about continuing his work as Burke’s consultant by referring developers to Burke’s law firm. In the recording Burke responded, “We come from the old school.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jesus Guzman charged with DUI, reckless homicide after Boris Nudelman fatally hit on Dempster Street: Morton Grove police

Morton Grove Tragedy: Jesus Guzman Faces DUI and Reckless Homicide Charges in Fatal Dempster Street Accident

A tragic incident in Morton Grove, Illinois, has led to serious charges…
Gulf nations band together to condemn Iran in wake of sweeping retaliatory strikes

Gulf Nations Unite in Strong Condemnation of Iran Following Widespread Retaliatory Strikes

In a dramatic escalation, Iran finds itself increasingly isolated following a barrage…
NYPD on alert at at sensitive locations after US, Israel strike Iran

NYPD Heightens Security at Key Locations Following Joint US-Israel Military Action Against Iran

In the wake of recent U.S. missile strikes on Iran, the New…
Queens man buries neighbor's car in a mound of snow in act of 'blizzard rage'

Queens Man Unleashes ‘Blizzard Rage’ by Burying Neighbor’s Car in Snow: A Wild Winter Tale

A Queens neighborhood dispute has taken a frosty turn. A man from…
Coney Island principal failed to protect 2 elderly stray cats buried repeatedly in snow storms

Coney Island Principal Criticized for Neglecting Elderly Stray Cats During Snowstorms

Animal rights advocates are likening a Coney Island principal to Cruella de…
US positions F-22 stealth fighters in Israel, puts 'almost any target in Iran at risk'

US Deploys F-22 Stealth Fighters to Israel, Heightening Tensions with Iran by Expanding Target Reach

In a move that underscores the growing tension with Iran, the Trump…
Tucker Carlson's antisemitic ramblings 'bordering on pornography,' says Israel ambassador

Israel Ambassador Criticizes Tucker Carlson’s Remarks as ‘Bordering on Pornography’ Due to Antisemitic Content

Israel’s ambassador to the United States sharply criticized Tucker Carlson on Friday,…
UN Human Rights Council chief cuts off speaker criticizing US-sanctioned official

UN Human Rights Council Halts Speaker Addressing Controversial US-Sanctioned Official

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) unexpectedly halted a video presentation…
UN chief condemns US-Israeli attacks on Iran during emergency Security Council meeting

UN Chief Denounces US-Israel Strikes on Iran at Urgent Security Council Gathering

By EDITH M. LEDERER UNITED NATIONS (AP) — In a fervent plea…
'America’s Most Wanted' co-host Callahan Walsh reveals what 'sticks out' to him in Nancy Guthrie case

Inside the Nancy Guthrie Case: ‘America’s Most Wanted’ Co-Host Callahan Walsh Uncovers Surprising Details

TUCSON, Ariz. — Callahan Walsh, co-host of the popular true-crime television show…
Man arrested on misdemeanor DUI charges outside Nancy Guthrie's home after sobriety test

Driver Arrested for DUI Misdemeanor Near Nancy Guthrie’s Residence After Failing Sobriety Test

TUCSON, Ariz. — A 34-year-old man found himself in handcuffs late Thursday…
Gulf states condemn Iranian retaliatory strikes on their territories following US-Israeli operation

Gulf Nations Denounce Iranian Counterattacks on Their Lands After US-Israeli Operation

Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Arab nations express strong…