Chicago’s Strongest Alderman, Edward Burke, Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ in Federal Court

Edward Burke is known to be the most powerful Alderman of Chicago. He has pleaded not guilty in the federal court to the political corruption charges. On Tuesday, he faced very quick charges in the court. A not guilty plea had been entered on his behalf and on the behalf of his two other co-defendants including Pete Andrews and Charles Sui.

Pete Andrews is the ward employee of Edward Burke while Charles Sui is the Real Estate Developer. Burke did not say anything during his first hearing of this case. He has faced 14 counts of corruption in the form of allegedly use of his power as an alderman of Chicago. He faces the serious charge of steering business to his private firms by the use of alderman’s power and authority.

The alleged schemes of Burke include the renovation of Burger King, development of Old Man Post Office, and Chicago Museum’s fee request, according to the federal incitement. Burke has maintained his innocence so far and he will address the federal charges in this case. Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago, has requested the resignation of Burke as an alderman of 14^th Ward.

Burke has not responded to the request of the Mayor yet. The court has set the next date for hearing of the charges. The status hearing will be on July 2. Nancy Loo tweeted that the pleas has been entered to the court on behalf of the alderman. She also said, “All due back for status hearning on July 2”.

Burke has maintained the innocence so far and now all eyes are on July 2 when he will defend himself in the status hearing. He has not responded to the request of Mayor which shows that he is ready to face the charges by maintain his innocence throughout the case. It is one of the strongest cases in the history of Chicago as Burke is a strong alderman of 14^th Ward.