Former Illinois lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate William “Sam” McCann abruptly pleaded guilty on Thursday to nine felony counts of wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion, halting his federal corruption trial over misusing up to $550,000 in campaign contributions.

McCann, who cut off negotiations over a plea deal last fall when he dismissed his court-appointed attorneys, made the reversal on the third day of a bench trial before U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Lawless. His latest lawyer, Jason Vincent, of Springfield, asked that he be released from custody as part of the deal, but Lawless nixed the idea, telling McCann his only option was to offer a no-strings open plea.

The seven counts of wire fraud and single count of money laundering each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. For tax evasion, it’s three. But a complex set of advisory guidelines before Lawless, who set sentencing for June 20, will likely yield a far shorter term.

  • Flying Squid
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    209 months ago

    William McCann (Republican Party) (also known as Sam) was a member of the Illinois State Senate, representing District 50. McCann assumed office in 2013. McCann left office on January 9, 2019.

    https://ballotpedia.org/William_McCann

    Just in case you were curious.

    • @elliot_crane
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      129 months ago

      William McCann (Republican Party)

      I am shocked, absolutely flabbergasted I tell you. I feel as if I’ve been duped, bamboozled, and smeckledorfed.

      • Nougat
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        69 months ago

        Hey, we’re equal opportunity on corruption in Illinois.

        • @elliot_crane
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          09 months ago

          Fair, this guy didn’t try to sell a seat on the U.S. Senate as far as we know. Just some garden variety fraud and money laundering.

        • @[email protected]
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          09 months ago

          Equal opportunity on PROSECUTING corruption in Illinois. Every state has corrupt politicians, we just really like holding them accountable here.