Some good news for imprisoned former governor George Ryan.
Two days after he lost his appeal for an immediate release from prison, the Bureau of Prisons said Ryan was eligible for a work-release program in January, five months ahead of his scheduled release from prison.
Almost five years ago, Ryan left his home in Kankakee, had breakfast in Chicago, and then drove to Oxford, Wisconsin and reported to prison.
The former governor and secretary of state was sentenced to six and half years for steering state contracts to his pals and covering up the license for bribes investigation.
He was later transfered to a prison in Terre Haute, Indiana. While he was there, his wife Lura Lynn passed away.
Wednesday, the light at the end of the tunnel got a little brighter. His lawyer says that on January 30th, Ryan can move to this halfway house on Chicago's near west side, where he'll stay until he's released next summer.
Gov. Jim Thompson/Ryan's attorney/phoner: "I talked to him last night, " said Ryan attorney, former Governor Jim Thompson. "He is anxious as anyone would be, to begin the program, but he's even more anxious to finish his sentence next July."
Former Chicago City Clerk Jim Laski, convicted on corruption charges, spent time at the same halfway house.
James Laski/former inmate/phoner: "The first thing I noticed when I got to the halfway house is you have your own room," said Laski. "You have your own bed, you have a door, for your room, you can actually have your own private TV you bring from home."
Laski says he was allowed to spend his weekends at home, but Governor Thompson doesn't know whether George Ryan will have a similar arrangement, or where Ryan will land a job.
