Chicago City Wire

The U.S. Attorney's Office recently filed an indictment against former Chicago Alderman Edward "Fast Eddie" Vrdolyak, alleging income tax evasion.

Co-defendant Daniel Soso, a Chicago attorney, also was indicted on the same charges. Vrdolyak faces eight years in prison if convicted of the charges.

The two allegedly violated Title 26, United States Code, Sections 7207, 7203 and 7212. Section 7207 relates to fraudulent returns, statements or other documents, while Section 7203 covers the willful failure to file returns, supply information or pay tax. Section 7212 relates to attempts to interfere with administration of internal revenue laws.

The case stems from 1990s-era tobacco-related settlements. The pair allegedly did not pay taxes and fees on the billions of dollars they received. In Vrdolyak's case, court documents allege he did not actually work on the case, but that a secret agreement between he and Soto ensured that he was paid a portion of the lawyer's fees after the settlement.

Seventy-eight year old Vrdolyak's previous conviction from a 2007 fraud and bribery case resulted in 10 months in prison. He served another 10 months under house arrest and in a work-release program.

The former 10th Ward alderman once headed the Cook County Democratic Party. He ran for mayor twice, but was defeated both times. He later changed his party affiliation and unsuccessfully ran for clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County as a Republican.