Ald. Willie Cochran Pleads Not Guilty; His Lawyer Calls Actions 'Stupid or Careless,' Not Criminal

CHICAGO, IL — Ald. Willie Cochran pleaded not guilty Friday to the charges in a 15-count federal indictment that accuse the 20th Ward elected official of looting charitable funds to pay for gambling debts and his daughter's college tuition, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The indictment, which was handed down last week, also alleges Cochran accepted pay outs from a real estate and a liquor store owner in exchange for political favors, including allegedly sponsoring and helping to pass an amendment changing the city's municipal code in 2015.

The charges against Cochran, who was recently re-elected to a third Chicago City Council term, include 11 counts of wire fraud, two counts of extortion and two counts of bribery. He could face a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted of the most serious charge.

But Thomas Anthony Durkin, Cochran's attorney, claims his client was simply addressing the concerns of his constituents, and his actions were no different than the actions of elected officials in wealthier communities when it comes to seeing to residents' needs, the Tribune reports. Durkin did admit that Cochran could have handled things differently, however, the report added.

RELATED: Alderman Looted Charity Fund, Withdrew $25K Near Casinos Where He Gambled

"In hindsight, maybe I'd characterize [what Cochran did] as stupid or careless … ," Durkin told the Tribune. "I mean, you can do a lot of things looking backward, but you have to understand, and that's where I'm saying things are different in Woodlawn than they are in Streeterville."

Prosecutors claim Cochran, 64, used his access to the 20th Ward's charity fund to withdraw money for his personal expenses. He allegedly spent $25,000 from the fund at casinos he gambled at and used another $5,000 to pay for his daughter's college tuition.

RELATED: Check Out the Details of the Complete 15-Count Federal Indictment Against Cochran

The fund is meant to be used to pay for activities for senior citizens and kids living in the South Side ward. Cochran also is accused of asking for contributions that were intended to be used on school supplies, children's clothing and holiday events.

The indictment continues a troubling trend among 20th Ward alderman. Cochran is the third of the past four people to hold that post to be indicted in office, the Tribune reports.

More via the Chicago Tribune

Ald. Willie Cochran (photo via City of Chicago | 20th Ward)

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