Former Chicago Councillor Found Unfit for Trial

A federal judge has declared that Carrie Austin, a 76-year-old former Chicago councillor, is unfit for trial due to significant health issues. She faced accusations of bribery and lying to the FBI, and the judge noted the negative impact these charges have had on her overall well-being.

Back in July 2021, Austin was implicated in an alleged conspiracy to receive household improvements from a contractor. This contractor was said to be seeking support for a development project in her district, as stated by the Illinois State Attorney’s Office. Austin, who served on the Chicago City Council for nearly three decades before her resignation in 2023, denied the charges.

Her legal team is requesting an indefinite postponement of the trial, which is set for November 2025, citing serious health concerns that include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and cancer. It’s been reported that even everyday activities, like showering or moving around her home, are greatly taxing for her. Given these challenges, her lawyer argued that attending court and meeting with her attorney would be immensely difficult.

Federal prosecutors have charged Austin with one count of conspiring to use interstate facilities to promote bribery, along with two counts of making false statements to the FBI. The allegations date back to 2014 when a construction firm was planning a $49.6 million housing development in her ward. According to the prosecution, Austin and her Chief of Staff received personal benefits from construction company owners in exchange for influencing their official actions.

In one instance, it was claimed that a contractor paid a $5,250 bill for kitchen cabinets that were supposedly for a property within the development project in June 2017. Additionally, Austin was said to have accepted new sump pumps and a dehumidifier from the contractor’s family.

Back in 2021, Austin experienced a medical emergency during a city council meeting due to her lung condition, leading to her hospitalization. Despite her health claims, prosecutors attempted to refute her assertions by citing surveillance footage showing her moving around without assistance.

After considering Austin’s health conditions, Judge Kness ruled against her being fit to stand trial. He expressed that her current state would make it challenging for her to interact meaningfully with her defense team or engage fully in her trial.