Former Streets & San Commissioner Convicted Again

A federal jury has convicted Chicago's former streets and sanitation commissioner of illegally handing out city jobs to political campaign workers.

Wednesday's verdict marks the second time Al Sanchez has been found guilty in the case. Last year, a judge threw out the conviction because he determined defense attorneys should have been notified but were not about the arrest record and gang affiliations of a key witness.

Sanchez was convicted of mail fraud. He faces up to 20 years in prison when he returns to court for sentencing later this year. The jury also convicted co-defendant Aaron Del Valle, who worked for Sanchez, of perjury.

He left without commenting, but his attorney, Thomas Breen, said Sanchez had "given great service to the city of Chicago" and was “disappointed” with the verdict, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

A day earlier, Sanchez said he felt confident he would prevail.

"I believe in the justice system ... I know in my mind and my heart I worked hard for the city," he said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Sanchez was a prominent official under Mayor Richard Daley and a leader of the Hispanic Democratic Organization -- a major political force in Chicago