Co-owner of companies in Chicago Public Sschools bribery scandal requests probation

The co-owner of two companies at the heart of a bribery scandal at Chicago Public Schools is asking a judge for a sentence of three years probation, according to court documents filed Thursday by his attorneys.

Defense attorneys say Thomas Vranas, 36, co-owner of the SUPES Academy and Synesi Associates, was initially unaware of the corrupt arrangement between his business partner, Gary Solomon, and former CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett.

"Although Tom did not originate the conduct in this case, he eventually participated in it," Vranas' attorneys wrote. "And, while he wholeheartedly believed in the value of his companies and worked hard to deliver the contracted work to CPS, Tom knew that the financial arrangement with Barbara was wrong and illegal."

Defense attorneys said they expect federal prosecutors to request a 39-month prison sentence but asked the judge to consider "probation with a lengthy period of home detention and significant community service."

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-schools-scandal-probation-request-met-20170406-story.html