From the Associated Press

Fawell's longtime aide pleads guilty to perjury
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By Mike Robinson
The Associated Press
December 3, 2003
A woman who worked at the heart of George Ryan's campaign staff pleaded guilty to a charge of perjury Wednesday and agreed to provide prosecutors with fresh ammunition in their investigation of corruption that took place under the former governor.
At the same time, prosecutors revealed that they expect an indictment within 90 days involving corruption at the Chicago Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority headed by Ryan's now-imprisoned campaign manager, Scott Fawell.
Alexandra "Andrea" Coutretsis Prokos, 34, a close friend and assistant to Fawell, entered her plea before U.S. District Judge James F. Holderman. She admitted lying before a federal grand jury about a master list of patronage jobs and favors that Fawell used to further Ryan's political fortunes.
Fawell is serving a 61/2-year racketeering sentence in connection with alleged payoffs and other corruption in the campaign and in the secretary of state's office Ryan led for eight years before he became governor.
Prokos was Fawell's assistant when he served as chief of staff in the secretary of state's office and when he became manager of Ryan's successful 1998 campaign for governor.
She went with Fawell when, after the 1998 election victory, Ryan appointed him to a $199,000-a-year job as head of the authority, known as ``McPier.''
Prokos was constantly by Fawell's side when political decisions were made, and prosecutors believe she might have sensitive information that could fuel their investigation.
Prosecutors disclosed that Prokos is expected to be charged in connection with corruption at McPier. They said at least one other person also was expected to be charged but did not disclose that person's name.
One count of perjury carries a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although both sides have tentatively agreed to a one-year sentence as part of her plea agreement. The judge has not formally accepted the deal.
Operation Safe Road began in early 1998 as an investigation of bribes paid in exchange for commercial driver's licenses at installations operated by Ryan's secretary of state's office.
Since then, it has evolved into a full-scale investigation of the use of state employees to do campaign work, alleged payoffs in return for state contracts and other corruption.
Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press
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