FIRST ON FOX: Cook County Commissioner William Beavers didn't pull any punches Saturday night, as he heads into a federal trial that could land him in prison. Jury selection begins Monday for the former alderman and Chicago police officer.
In an exclusive Saturday night interview with FOX 32 News, Beavers sounded just as defiant as the day he was charged.
The commissioner said he is not as bitter now as he was when he charged one year ago, and when he accused then-U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald of Gestapo tactics.
However, Beavers isn't backing off one bit regarding the reason be believes he was indicted. He insists that he was charged because he refused to wear a wire for the feds against other county politicians.
The prosecutors deny that. In court records, they there is "no evidence of vindictiveness on the part of the government in this case."
Prosecutors claim Beavers simply failed to pay income taxes for three years on $226,000 he took from his campaign funds, spending most of it on gambling.
The commissioner appeared relaxed and confident Saturday, saying that he is ready and anxious to take the witness stand, if necessary.
"I'm going to get up there and tell the truth, raise my hand and swear before God to tell the truth," Beavers said. "They are going to see that I'm telling the truth, and that they are lying."
The U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment on Beavers' remarks, due to justice department guidelines.
FOX 32 News will have more of Beavers' interview Sunday night - and a surprise from defense attorney Sam Adam Jr.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:50 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:50:09 GMT
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another heart-wrenching tragedy.
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another "heart-wrenching" tragedy -- displaced pets.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Britain is bracing for clashes with right-wing extremists and possible copycat terror attacks after the slaying of a young soldier, adding some 1,200 police to potential trouble spots.
Both of the suspects accused of butchering a British soldier during broad daylight on a London street had long been on the radar of Britain's domestic spy agency, though investigators say it would have been nearly...
Friday, May 24 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:32:16 GMT
Some aldermen have questions as a City Council committee gets ready to hold a hearing on Mayor Emanuel's proposed changes to the Chicago parking meter deal.
Some aldermen have questions as a City Council committee gets ready to hold a hearing on Mayor Emanuel's proposed changes to the Chicago parking meter deal.
Former Chicago Bears lineman and FOX contributor Dan Jiggetts is an advocate for preventing the sale of high capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. He's also working on Rocky's Law with Governor Quinn.
Former Chicago Bears lineman and FOX contributor Dan Jiggetts is an advocate for preventing the sale of high capacity ammunition magazines in Illinois. He's also working on Rocky's Law with Governor Quinn.
Amid lingering concerns about his national security policies, President Barack Obama is outlining measures to clarify the deadly use of drones against terror suspects.
President Barack Obama sought Thursday to advance the U.S. beyond the unrelenting war effort of the past dozen years, defining a narrower terror threat from smaller networks and homegrown extremists rather than the grandiose...
Thursday, May 23 2013 4:36 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:36:47 GMT
The Obama administration has picked a private attorney and former federal prosecutor to head the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Thursday.
The Obama administration has picked a private attorney and former federal prosecutor to head the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Thursday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:18 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:18:06 GMT
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
