Major Controversies Surrounding George Ryan: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2025

Public opinion and media debates around George Ryan—discover key moments of controversy.

George Ryan was an American politician who served as the 39th Governor of Illinois from 1999 to 2003. A Republican, he also held positions as Illinois Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor. His career was overshadowed by a later conviction on federal charges including racketeering, bribery, extortion, money laundering, and tax fraud, all related to his time in public office.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

January 31, 2000: Ryan Declares Moratorium on Death Penalty

On January 31, 2000, Ryan declared a moratorium on the state's death penalty.

2002: Ryan Chooses Not to Run for Reelection

In 2002, Ryan chose not to run for reelection amidst a scandal.

January 11, 2003: Ryan Commutes Death Row Sentences

On January 11, 2003, just before leaving office, Ryan commuted the sentences of all 167 convicts on Illinois' death row to life terms and pardoned four inmates.

March 2003: Scott Fawell Convicted on Federal Charges

In March 2003, Scott Fawell, Ryan's former chief of staff and campaign manager, was convicted on federal charges of racketeering and fraud.

December 2003: Ryan Indicted on Federal Charges

In December 2003, Ryan and lobbyist Lawrence Warner were named in a 22-count federal indictment including racketeering, bribery, extortion, money laundering and tax fraud.

September 19, 2005: Ryan's Case Goes to Trial

On September 19, 2005, George Ryan's case went to trial on federal corruption charges.

November 2005: Cost of Ryan's Defense

By mid-November 2005, Ryan's defense, provided pro bono by Winston & Strawn, had cost the firm $10 million.

April 17, 2006: Ryan Found Guilty on All Counts

On April 17, 2006, the jury found Ryan and Warner guilty on all counts in the federal corruption trial.

September 6, 2006: Ryan sentenced to prison

On September 6, 2006, George Ryan was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for his conviction.

September 2006: Cost of Ryan's Defense

As of September 2006, estimates of the cost of Ryan's defense to the Winston & Strawn law firm ranged as high as $20 million.

January 4, 2007: Ryan ordered to go to prison

On January 4, 2007, Ryan was initially ordered to go to prison, but he was granted an appeal bond, which allowed him to remain free pending the outcome of his appeal.

August 21, 2007: Ryan's conviction affirmed

On August 21, 2007, the Court of Appeals of the Seventh Circuit affirmed George Ryan's conviction.

October 25, 2007: Review denied by Seventh Circuit

On October 25, 2007, a review of Ryan's conviction by the entire Seventh Circuit was denied.

November 7, 2007: Ryan reports to Federal Prison Camp

On November 7, 2007, George Ryan reported to the Federal Prison Camp in Oxford, Wisconsin, after the Supreme Court rejected an extension of his bail.

February 29, 2008: Ryan transferred to medium security facility

On February 29, 2008, Ryan was transferred to a medium security facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, after the facility in Oxford changed its level of medical care.

December 1, 2008: Durbin requests commutation of Ryan's sentence

On December 1, 2008, United States Senator Dick Durbin wrote a letter to then President George W. Bush requesting him to commute Ryan's sentence, citing Ryan's age and his wife's frail health.