Ryan continues bid for freedom

A federal judge heard arguments to today about whether former Gov. George Ryan should be freed from prison.

Ryan was convicted on corruption charges in 2006 and has been incarcerated in a federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind., since 2007. He is due for release in 2013.

Ryan’s lawyers argued that a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision rolling back a category of fraud would apply to Ryan’s mail fraud and racketeering convictions. They argue that the time Ryan has served so far is fair punishment for other convictions, such as tax violations and lying to federal agents.

Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer did not reach a decision on the case today and said she plans to issue a written statement.