Ex-Illinois Gov. George Ryan released from prison
CHICAGO (AP) -- Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan has been released from prison after serving more than five years for corruption.
The 78-year-old Republican arrived at a halfway house in Chicago early Wednesday after his release
Ryan qualified for early release five months before his term officially ended.
As governor, Ryan drew national attention by deeming the state's capital punishment laws flawed and emptying death row in 2003. That reignited a nationwide debate and eventually led Illinois to abolish its death penalty in 2011.
Jurors convicted Ryan in 2006 of steering state business to insiders in return for vacations and gifts.
Ryan's release means Rod Blagojevich is now the lone former Illinois governor behind bars. The Democrat is serving a 14-year sentence for corruption.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.