Chicago

Former CPS CEO Sentencing Slated For Friday

Byrd-Bennett is accused of steering multimillion dollar no-bid contracts to two education consulting companies in exchange for a promise of $2.3 million in kickbacks

A federal judge is slated to sentence Friday a former Chicago Public Schools CEO who pleaded guilty to a scheme to steer more than $20 million worth of no-bid contracts to education companies in exchange for bribes and kickbacks.

Federal prosecutors are recommending a 7 ½-year prison sentence for Barbara Byrd-Bennett, saying in a recent filing that she knew the district was financially troubled and still worked to "enrich herself" at the expense" of students, teachers and Chicago residents.

Defense attorneys are seeking a 3 ½-year sentence.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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