Patrick Fitzgerald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Fitzgerald
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| United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois | |
| In office October 21, 2001 – June 30, 2012 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Scott Lassar |
| Succeeded by | Zachary T. Fardon |
| Special Counsel for the United States Department of Justice | |
| In office December 30, 2003 – March 6, 2007 |
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| Appointed by | James Comey |
| Preceded by | Position not in use |
| Succeeded by | Position not in use |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 22, 1960 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Jennifer Letzkus |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Amherst College (BA) Harvard University (JD) |
Patrick J. Fitzgerald (born December 22, 1960) is an American lawyer. He is known for his long career as a federal prosecutor. For over ten years, until 2012, Fitzgerald served as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
Before this role, he worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York City. There, he was part of important cases, including those related to Osama bin Laden. As a special prosecutor, Fitzgerald led the investigation into the Plame affair. This case involved the identity of a CIA officer. It led to the conviction of Scooter Libby, a top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney.
Fitzgerald also led many other major investigations. These included cases against Illinois Governors Rod Blagojevich and George Ryan. He also worked on cases involving Chicago city officials.
Contents
Who is Patrick Fitzgerald?
Early Life and Education
Patrick Fitzgerald was born in Brooklyn, New York. His family was Roman Catholic and of Irish descent. His father worked as a doorman in Manhattan. He also worked as a security guard at the 1964 New York World's Fair.
Fitzgerald went to Our Lady Help of Christians grammar school. He then attended Regis High School. He studied economics and mathematics at Amherst College. He was a top student there. Later, he earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1985. While in college, he enjoyed playing rugby.
In June 2008, Fitzgerald married Jennifer Letzkus.
Fitzgerald's Career as a Prosecutor
Working in New York City
After starting his career in civil law, Fitzgerald became an Assistant United States Attorney in New York City in 1988. In 1994, he became a prosecutor in the case against Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman. This case involved the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
In 1996, Fitzgerald took on a new role. He became the National Security Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Southern New York. He was part of a team investigating Osama bin Laden. He also led cases related to the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.
Leading Cases in Illinois
On September 1, 2001, Fitzgerald was chosen to be the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. This was suggested by Senator Peter Fitzgerald. The Senate approved his nomination in October 2001. Patrick Fitzgerald had only visited Chicago once before this appointment.
Investigating Illinois Governors
Soon after starting in Illinois, Fitzgerald began a major investigation. It looked into political appointees of Governor George Ryan. They were suspected of taking bribes for truck driving licenses. Fitzgerald expanded this investigation. He uncovered a system of political bribery. This led to many people being charged.
Governor Ryan was charged in December 2003. In April 2006, Ryan was found guilty on all charges. His co-defendant, Larry Warner, was also convicted. In September 2006, Ryan received a sentence of six and a half years. Warner received a sentence of three years and five months.
Fitzgerald also investigated Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's aides. In July 2005, his office charged several top aides. These charges involved corruption in hiring practices at City Hall. In March 2006, former Chicago City Clerk James Laski pleaded guilty. He admitted to taking bribes for city business.
In December 2008, federal agents arrested Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. He was accused of trying to profit from his power. This included trying to sell President Barack Obama's open U.S. Senate seat. Fitzgerald stated that Blagojevich "put a 'for sale' sign on the naming of a United States Senator."
Stepping Down from His Role
Senator Peter Fitzgerald did not run for reelection in 2004. This left Patrick Fitzgerald without a political supporter. In 2005, there were rumors he might not be reappointed. This was possibly due to his investigations into corruption.
On May 23, 2012, Fitzgerald announced his retirement. He stepped down as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois on June 30, 2012. Gary S. Shapiro took over as U.S. Attorney temporarily. In 2013, Governor Patrick Quinn appointed Fitzgerald to the Board of Trustees for the University of Illinois.
Working in Private Law
After leaving public service, Fitzgerald joined the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. He became a partner in their Chicago office in 2012. In June 2023, Fitzgerald retired from the firm.
Key Investigations and Cases
The Plame Investigation
On December 30, 2003, Patrick Fitzgerald was appointed Special Counsel. This meant he was in charge of the investigation into the Plame affair. This case involved the identity of a CIA officer. Fitzgerald was given full authority for this investigation.
On October 28, 2005, Fitzgerald charged Scooter Libby. Libby was Vice President Dick Cheney's Chief of Staff. He was charged with making false statements and obstructing justice. Libby resigned to prepare for his defense. Fitzgerald stated that "The truth is the engine of our judicial system."
During Libby's trial, it was revealed that journalists had learned about the CIA officer from other sources. On March 6, 2007, Libby was found guilty on four out of five charges. Fitzgerald announced that he did not expect to file more charges. Libby was fined and given probation. President George W. Bush later changed Libby's prison sentence, but not the fine.
In April 2018, President Donald Trump later pardoned Libby.
Conrad Black Case
On November 17, 2005, Fitzgerald brought charges against Conrad Black. Black was a Canadian media mogul. The trial began in Chicago in March 2007. Black was found guilty on July 13, 2007. He was sentenced to federal prison and had to pay fines.
Software Piracy Cases
On February 1, 2006, Fitzgerald's office announced charges against nineteen members of Risciso. This group was involved in software and movie piracy. This case was part of a larger effort by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. They worked to stop groups that illegally shared copyrighted materials online.
Blagojevich Corruption Arrest
On December 9, 2008, Fitzgerald held a press conference. He confirmed that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich had been arrested. Blagojevich was charged with corruption. Fitzgerald said Blagojevich's actions were so bad they would "make Lincoln roll over in his grave."
Blagojevich was accused of trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's open U.S. Senate seat. He was also accused of pressuring the Chicago Tribune to fire editors. This was in exchange for state help with selling Wrigley Field. Fitzgerald stated he worried about the possible firing of the Tribune editors.
See also
- Rod Blagojevich federal corruption scandal
- CIA leak grand jury investigation
- Operation Crooked Code
- Plame affair timeline
- U.S. Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel
