Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan Released from Prison

Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan was released from prison Wednesday after more than five years in a federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind., for corruption. Ryan, a 78-year-old father and grandfather, reported to a halfway house in Chicago just before 7 a.m.

But attorney Jim Thompson said Ryan was released from the halfway house a short time later. Thompson, also a former Illinois governor, traveled with Ryan to his home in Kankakee, where he will remain in home confinement.

Speaking from Ryan's living room, Thompson said Ryan was beaming and surrounded by his smiling grandchildren.

Such moves are not unprecedented, but the speed with which Ryan was be transitioned home was not expected. Many observers believed that Ryan would be required to stay at the Chicago halfway House for three weeks to a month before transitioning home.

In essence, the rules will be the same. Ryan will be subject to the same reporting requirements he would have had to obey in Chicago. He will be subject to periodic checks from his counselor to make certain he is at home at the appropriate times.

Spokespeople for the halfway house said Ryan will be "vigorously monitored."

If he is required to get a job, he will still be expected to report when he is leaving his home, when he arrives for work, and when he departs his workplace to return home.

The former governor was convicted in 2006 of federal corruption charges.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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