The federal corruption case against 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke has produced 40,000 pages of discovery, attorneys for the prosecution and defense acknowledged in court Tuesday.
Both sides appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Robert Dow, while Burke himself was excused from making an appearance.
Earlier this year, Burke was indicted on federal racketeering and bribery charges. Prosecutors allege he used his public office to steer business to his private law firm. Burke has entered a plea of not guilty. Facing charges along with Burke are Peter Andrews, a longtime political aide and businessman Charles Cui. hey too have entered pleas of not guilty.
In court Tuesday, defense attorneys noted that prosecutors have produced a “substantial amount” amount of the discovery material on more than 100 discs.
Burke, the longest-serving alderman in Chicago's history, has maintained his role on City Council, though he was forced to resign from his most powerful post as head of the Finance Committee.
The next court appearance in the case is scheduled for Jan. 23, when Dow indicated he may set a trial date.
