Judge Declares Ex-Chicago Alderman Carrie Austin Unfit for Corruption Trial

A federal judge has ruled that former Chicago Alderman Carrie Austin is medically unfit to stand trial on corruption charges, effectively bringing the long-running case to a halt. In a 19-page order dated 9 July, U.S. District Judge John Kness concluded that Austin’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac problems and cancer make the physical demands of a jury trial “an unacceptable risk” and would impede her ability to assist in her defense. Austin, 76, was indicted in 2021 on allegations that a property developer provided home improvements for her and an investment property owned by her chief of staff, Chester Wilson, in exchange for help securing City Council approvals for a 91-unit project. The investigation began with a 2019 federal raid on her South Side ward office. Wilson has pleaded not guilty and is still scheduled to face trial later this year. Kness acknowledged that the ruling means Austin may never face a jury unless her health materially improves, but stressed that the decision does not address the merits of the government’s case. Prosecutors had asked to accommodate her with mobility aids and medical equipment in the courtroom, but the judge accepted a court-appointed physician’s testimony that even modified proceedings could jeopardize her health.