A 'reverse Robin Hood' - Ryan stole from poor to give to friends

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dsnews/241nd1.htm

Dubbed a "reverse Robin Hood" who took money from poor schoolchildren to lavish on himself, family and friends, prosecutors Tuesday also revealed Thomas Ryan to be a malicious intimidator who threatened to "break legs" and "kick asses."

A rumpled Ryan, who slept behind bars in his gray suit, appeared in court Tuesday morning on theft and witness tampering felony charges that stem from a Daily Southtown investigation.

He looked nothing like the strong-willed superintendent of schools who ruled Sauk Village's classrooms and teachers with an "iron fist," all while secretly pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars from Cook County's second-poorest school district, prosecutors claim.

"(This) is the worst case of financial fraud by a public official I have seen in my nearly nine years as state's attorney," Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine said.

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Great quote from Assistant DA Sandra Navarro

"Witnesses have described (Ryan) as acting like God, Hitler or Mike Ditka, who he prides himself after," Navarro said.

:rofl:

"God, Hitler, or Mike Ditka" ... I never expected to see those three names juxtaposed.

--p!

[Judi Lynn]

2. What a beast. Here's his photo....

http://img.viacomlocalnetworks.com/images_sizedimage_230124731/lg

http://img.viacomlocalnetworks.com/images_sizedimage_235155258/lg

There's a tv news video here:
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_235151436.html

New York Times has a sketchy article today:

Illinois School Superintendent Is Accused of $100,000 Theft

By GRETCHEN RUETHLING
Published: August 25, 2005

Investigators said they seized $730,000 in cash from Mr. Ryan's home in a raid last week.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/25/national/25school.html

[buff2]

3. Oh yes indeedy!!!!

Those criminals always have to have the American flag in front of them. They are soooo rightous and patriotic. :sarcasm: