Pubdate: Mon, 21 Nov 2005
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2005 The Sun-Times Co.
Contact:  http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Frank Main, Crime Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)

US IL: EX-PARTNER OF 'MOST CORRUPT' COP OUT OF PRISON

John Galligan -- the former partner of the man described by 
prosecutors as Chicago's most corrupt police officer -- has been 
moved from prison into home confinement, authorities said.

Galligan was serving his 57-month sentence at a minimum-security 
prison in Yankton, S.D. He was placed on home confinement Aug. 9 and 
is scheduled to be freed from the federal Bureau of Prisons' custody 
Dec. 12, a bureau spokesman said. Galligan declined comment through a lawyer.

Bid For Shorter Term Weighed

Galligan pleaded guilty to fabricating a search warrant that Joseph 
Miedzianowski used to steal a kilogram of cocaine. Galligan also 
admitted he provided false testimony at a court hearing in which a 
drug dealer claimed police stole her drugs.

Miedzianowski is serving a life sentence for running a major drug 
ring and protecting criminals from prosecution in cases as serious as murder.

He is asking U.S. District Judge Blanche Manning to reduce his 
sentence to 120 months in prison, the mandatory minimum. In court 
papers, his appeals lawyer Elliot T. Price wrote that only those who 
actually commit violent acts should receive life terms.

Despite Miedzianowski's love affair with Alina Lis -- one of his 
co-defendants -- Miedzianowski's wife continues to stand by him and 
"forgive him for that indiscretion," Price wrote.

"A long term of incarceration is less necessary to protect the 
American public from Mr. Miedzianowski because he has become totally 
focused on his family, notwithstanding his imprisonment is such that 
he will never see them again outside a prison setting for the rest of 
his life," according to Price.

Manning is considering Miedzianowski's request.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth