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Associated Press - December 10, 2009 10:24 PM ET
CHICAGO (AP) - A federal appeals judge lambasted today the probation sentence imposed on former Chicago political leader Edward R. Vrdolyak (ver-DOHL'-yak) in a real estate fraud case, saying it makes Vrdolyak's offense seem trivial"
Prosecutors want Vrdolyak to get a prison sentence and have taken the case to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The 71-year-old Vrdolyak pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud for scheming to split a $1.5 million payoff to arrange the sale of a downtown building, eliminating other possible bidders. U.S. District Judge Milton Shadur placed him on probation for five years and fined him $50,000.
As the three-judge appellate panel heard arguments today, Judge Richard Posner said a probation sentence in such a case amounts to nothing.
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