Former Illinois Governor George Ryan Released From Prison

Updated at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30.

Just hours after his release from prison, former Gov. George Ryan, 79, was released from a halfway house and sent to his home in Kankakee, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Ryan is under house arrest but reportedly will not have to wear an electric monitor. He was allowed to bypass the halfway house due to his age, according to his attorney, former Gov. Jim Thompson.

Original story:

Written by Morgan Delack

Illinois residents can no longer say there are two former governors in prison.

George Ryan arrived at a halfway house on Chicago’s west side early Wednesday morning after being released from an Indiana federal prison, the Chicago Tribune reports.

WMAQ-TV reports Ryan was silent and dressed in a suit and tie as he entered the halfway house. He is not allowed to speak to the media until he leaves the home in July.  

The 78-year-old spent more than five years in prison for federal corruption charges after leaving the governor’s office.

Ryan requested early release from prison in 2010, partially because his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. A judge denied his request, but he was allowed to be by her side when she passed away in January of 2011. 

Ryan isn't the first governor to be convicted on corruption charges. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is currently serving a 14 year sentence for corruption while in office. 

What do you think can be done about corruption in Illinois politics? Weigh in on the comments and discuss with your neigbors.