On November 6, 2007, former Illinois Governor George Ryan reported to federal prison to serve a 6 and-a-half year sentence on multiple charges of corruption and fraud in connection with a bribes-for-licenses scandal that occurred during Ryan's term as Illinois Secretary of State. Ryan's incarceration began in accordance with an earlier order from the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the US Supreme Court both denied Ryan's request to remain free on bail while he appealed his conviction.

George Ryan, former governor of Illinois

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