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.
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.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Anthony Weiner's run for a renaissance is officially on.
Anthony Weiner knows there may be a lot of New Yorkers who would never consider voting for him again, but he says he's running for mayor because he wants to bring his ideas to the fore - and win.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:45:07 GMT
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:53:15 GMT
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:52 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:52:14 GMT
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:05:27 GMT
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has been appointed to head the board of a government-supported nonprofit that promotes Chicago as a tourism and convention destination.
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has been appointed to head the board of a government-supported nonprofit that promotes Chicago as a tourism and convention destination.
Republicans call them "scandals." Democrats call them "fishing expeditions." Whatever the case, the Obama administration finds itself trying to fix three big problems this week. FOX's Bret Baier reports.
Republicans call them "scandals." Democrats call them "fishing expeditions." Whatever the case, the Obama administration finds itself trying to fix three big problems this week. FOX's Bret Baier reports.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:49 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:49:53 GMT
The new normal begins Thursday for Chicago Public Schools following a fiery and painful public debate over school closings. The school board voted to close 49 CPS schools in June, and one next year.
The new normal begins Thursday for Chicago Public Schools following a fiery and painful public debate over school closings. The school board voted to close 49 CPS schools in June, and one next year.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:03:10 GMT
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:45:07 GMT
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:50:46 GMT
The attorney for an 87-year-old woman who accuses Donald Trump of cheating her in a skyscraper condo deal told Chicago jurors on Wednesday that the "Apprentice" star lied on the witness stand.
Jurors have withdrawn to begin deliberations about whether Donald Trump cheated an 87-year-old who claims the "Apprentice" star cheated her in property deal.
