SPRINGFIELD -- A high-ranking official in Gov. Blagojevich's office spent nearly two years in a federal prison for refusing to aid a government terrorism probe into a series of bombings in Chicago and New York City.
Steven Guerra, Blagojevich's $120,000-a-year deputy chief of staff for community services, was identified by federal prosecutors as a member of the Puerto Rican separatist group, FALN, which was behind a wave of violence and killings in the 1970s and early 1980s.
In 1983, Guerra, now 53, was among five people convicted in New York of contempt of court for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury investigating the group. The felony conviction resulted in a three-year prison sentence for Guerra, who was released in 1986 after serving 23 months.
Federal prosecutors labeled Guerra and his four co-defendants "a danger to the community," and said they advocated armed violence, kidnappings, hijackings and prison breaks in the name of a "free" Puerto Rico.
The lead prosecutor in Guerra's case, James D. Harmon Jr., said it is clear to him that the man he helped convict has no business working for state government. "He had his opportunity to help the government. Someone who refused to help the government, in my opinion, forfeits his right to earn a living from any government at any time," the former prosecutor said.
'Meeting of ... terrorists'
Gov. Blagojevich's office said Guerra disclosed his felony conviction to the administration before his 2003 hiring. Aides said the governor intends to stand by Guerra. He was recommended for the job by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who lobbied President Bill Clinton to grant clemency to 11 imprisoned FALN members in 1999.
More on the story.
5 comments:
Cook County inmates will be sending their reumes in for jobs. Not many places hire convicted criminals but now the jail birds know who will hire them on the spot.
Oh my, you would think that in these positions you would be a lot more particular about who you would hire, and for a six figure postion you should invest in a full background check, or let the Illinois State Police do it.
Ummm, I thought being a convicted criminal got you a higher-paid job in the Baloneybitch administration, like it was one of the criteria!!!!!!
>:-)
Hey, Houston, we have a problem. Nobody told me those might be dangerous. I promise I will be a good kitty and stop running out the door.
Kittybowtie:
You're hosed. LOL!
Mr. Kitty it's time to ask for a raise and use the fact you've never had a criminal record that should mean something. If a convicted felon can get 122,000 dollars then you should be paid more then that. Good Luck
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