Developer linked to embattled Chicago alderman indicted

CHICAGO (AP) — Federal authorities have accused a real estate developer of steering legal work to a powerful Chicago alderman in exchange for a permit and financing for a redevelopment project.

The Chicago Tribune reports that 48-year-old Charles Cui, of Lake Forest, is charged in an indictment made public Friday with bribery, official misconduct and making a false statement to the FBI. Alderman Ed Burke isn’t named in the indictment, but it describes him by his titles.

The 75-year-old Burke was indicted this year on charges alleging that he tried to shake down a restaurant owner who wanted to build in his ward. Burke denies wrongdoing.

When reached by the Chicago Sun-Times , Cui referred a reporter to his attorney but hung up after being asked who that was.

Cui is a managing partner of a company that owned property on Chicago’s northwest side.