Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who served time in prison for corruption, has passed away at the age of 91.
A Republican, Ryan was the 39th governor of Illinois, holding office from 1999 to 2003. He died on Friday, according to the Kankakee County Coroner.
In addition to his tenure as governor, Ryan also served as Illinois Secretary of State from 1991 to 1999 and as the state’s Lieutenant Governor from 1983 to 1991.
After leaving office, Ryan was convicted on fraud and racketeering charges in 2006 and subsequently served over five years in federal prison.
His decision to impose a moratorium on executions in Illinois in January 2000 drew national attention and angered some members of his own party. Three years later, he commuted the sentences of 167 inmates who were on or awaiting transfer to Illinois’ death row.
The cause of Ryan’s death has not been disclosed.
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