Chicago Alderman Austin and her Chief of Staff Indicted on Bribery Charges

Two years ago, the offices of Chicago’s 34th Ward’s Alderman, Carrie Austin, were raided by federal authorities. Allegedly, Austin and her top aid received home improvement perks from a prospective real-estate developer. The improvements are said to include custom cabinetry, granite countertops, plumbing and HVAC improvements, and even bathroom tiling.

On 1 July, Austin was charged with one count of conspiring to use interstate facilities to promote bribery, along with other charges. Alderman Austin is not alone; she is one of three sitting alderman in the city of Chicago to come under federal investigation and is the second to face charges this year. Austin’s aide, Chester Wilson, is charged with bribery charges as well as one count of theft of government funds. The developer in question is now deceased but was working on a large project in Austin’s ward at the time.