Illinois Supreme Court says imprisoned former Gov. Ryan not entitled to partial pension

Court dashes ex-gov’s hopes of salvaging pension

CHICAGO — The Illinois Supreme Court says former Gov. George Ryan must forfeit all of his state pension for crimes he committed as secretary of state and governor.

Ryan is serving a 6 1/2-year racketeering and fraud sentence.

He had been hoping to salvage a $60,000-a-year pension, based on his years as a state lawmaker and lieutenant governor. Ryan wasn’t convicted of committing any crimes when he held those offices.

But the high court ruled 6-1 on Friday that he’s ineligible for any state pension.

Ryan’s attorney says he’s “very disappointing” with the decision.

Before his conviction, Ryan had been due to draw a pension of more than $197,000.