Jurors at the corruption trial of former Alderman Ed Burke were played a secret recording last week, known as the “tuna” call, where Burke allegedly asked then-colleague Alderman Daniel Solis if the developers of the Old Post Office had agreed to hire Burke’s private law firm. The recording is part of the evidence presented by federal prosecutors, who accuse Burke of using his position to intervene on behalf of the developers on various issues related to the $600 million project. Solis had been working undercover for the FBI for nearly a year, assisting in building the racketeering case against Burke.
The trial has focused on the behind-the-scenes dealings surrounding the Old Post Office renovation, with prosecutors presenting numerous secret audio and video recordings of Burke using his influence as an alderman to seek legal work for his law firm. The recordings showed Burke offering his firm’s services to the post office developer, Harry Skydell, and expressing frustration when the developers did not commit to hiring his firm. The trial has also touched on other alleged schemes involving Burke, including shaking down the owners of a Burger King and a permit fight over a pole sign for a Binny’s Beverage Depot.
Burke’s defense team has argued that there was nothing wrong with Burke soliciting business for his law firm and portrayed Solis as a corrupt official. The trial is expected to continue with prosecutors presenting evidence related to the Burger King and Binny’s chapters. The recordings played in court have provided a glimpse into the intersection of bureaucracy and money in Chicago, highlighting the alleged corruption surrounding the Old Post Office project.
The Old Post Office, a historic building in Chicago, was purchased by developer Harry Skydell’s company in 2016. The building required extensive renovations, and Skydell sought tax incentives and assistance from various city agencies. Prosecutors have alleged that Burke used his knowledge and experience to help the developers only if they agreed to provide his law firm with tax work. The recordings played in court captured conversations between Burke and Solis, where they discussed the developers’ frustrations and the potential benefits for Burke’s firm.
The trial is ongoing, and prosecutors are expected to present more evidence in the coming days. Burke’s defense team will then decide whether to call Solis as a witness. The recordings played so far have shed light on the alleged corruption in Chicago’s political landscape, where powerful politicians seek personal gain from major projects. The trial has provided a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dealings of elected officials and the intersection of money and power in the city.