Skip to Content

Ex-Illinois lawmaker abruptly pleads guilty to fraud and money laundering, halting federal trial

By JOHN O’CONNOR
AP Political Writer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A former Illinois lawmaker and candidate for governor has abruptly pleaded guilty to nine counts of wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion in federal court. Sam McCann’s reversal Thursday halted a three-day-old bench trial accusing him of misusing up to $550,000 in campaign contributions. McCann was a state senator from 2011 to 2019. He formed the Conservative Party of Illinois in 2018 to run for governor. A criminal indictment in 2021 laid out various schemes McCann devised to convert political contributions to personal use to buy vehicles, pay mortgages, fund family vacations and other personal expenses. Attorney Jason Vincent asked that McCann be freed from custody until his June 20 sentencing. A hearing on that request is scheduled Friday.

Article Topic Follows: AP-National

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content