Federal judge finds ex-Chicago alderman Carrie Austin’s health too poor for trial, postpones bribery case indefinitely.

Judge Postpones Bribery Case Due to Health Concerns

A federal judge has determined that Carrie Austin, a 76-year-old former alderman from Chicago’s Far South Side, is unfit to stand trial on charges of bribery and lying to the FBI. The decision, handed down after medical evaluations, indefinitely postpones the high-profile federal case against Austin, who spent nearly three decades on the City Council before her resignation in 2023.

Austin was indicted in July 2021 for allegedly conspiring to receive home improvements from construction contractors who sought city assistance for a multi-million dollar development project in her ward. Federal prosecutors charged Austin with conspiracy to use interstate facilities to promote bribery, two counts of using interstate facilities to promote bribery, and one count of willfully making materially false statements to the FBI.

Prosecutors allege that beginning in 2014, a construction company planned a $49.6 million residential development in Austin’s ward. From 2016 onward, Austin and her chief of staff, Chester Wilson, are accused of receiving personal benefits from the developer and other contractors. These included payments for kitchen cabinets, new sump pumps, and installation of a dehumidifier at Austin’s residence—allegedly provided to curry favor in official dealings.

Medical Hardship Prevents Trial Participation

Austin, who pleaded not guilty, reportedly suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions, and cancer. Her attorneys argued that her physical state made participation in a courtroom trial impossible. In his ruling, Judge John Kness agreed, noting, “Merely the act of showering or walking from room to room in her house is strenuous for the Defendant, so there is no doubt that traveling to and from the courthouse, sitting in trial all day, and traveling to meet with her attorneys at night, even with the aid of a scooter, will have an ‘adverse effect’ on her health compared to resting at home as she currently does most of the time.”

Prosecutors previously tried to challenge Austin’s claim of incapacity, referencing surveillance footage of her moving unassisted into a salon. However, Judge Kness found that Austin’s overall medical condition made it unlikely she could adequately participate in her defense or withstand the rigors of a trial.

Austin’s collapse during a City Council meeting in 2021 underscored her ongoing health struggles. The court’s decision means the federal case against her remains in limbo, highlighting the challenges of prosecuting elderly defendants with significant medical needs.

As the legal process stalls, questions remain about the future of the case and broader efforts to address public corruption in Chicago. The indefinite postponement raises concerns about accountability and the complexities of pursuing justice when a defendant’s health is in irreversible decline.