In one of his final acts before leaving office on Wednesday, President Donald Trump pardoned Casey Urlacher, brother of the great Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears.
Urlacher, the mayor of the small suburban town of Mettawa, Illinois, was charged last year along with several others as part of a sports game case that could have led to federal prison. Urlacher reportedly helped the group’s leader, Vincent “Uncle Mick” DelGiudice, manage an illegal multi-million dollar gambling network while tracking debts. The ring involved up to 1,000 players.
Urlacher pleaded not guilty to a charge of participating in the gambling conspiracy and an charge of running an illegal gambling business.
Casey’s most famous brother may have something to do with his forgiveness. Brian visited the White House in March 2020, not long after Casey was indicted, and spoke privately with Trump. This sparked speculation that he was pressing Trump to forgive Casey for his alleged crimes.
President Trump did not speak to reporters when he returned to the White House just now, but he invited the big man in the blue suit, whom we believe to be Brian Urlacher of the famous Chicago Bears, to come with him to the WH residence. pic.twitter.com/UEPKYPkbql
– Eamon Javers (@EamonJavers) March 9, 2020
The White House issued a statement on Urlacher’s forgiveness on Wednesday.
President Trump granted Casey Urlacher total forgiveness. This forgiveness is supported by your friends and family and countless members of your community. Mr. Urlacher was charged with conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling. Throughout his life, Mr. Urlacher has been committed to public service and has always given back to his community. Mr. Urlacher currently serves as the unpaid mayor of Mettawa, Illinois. He is a husband dedicated to his wife and a loving father to his 17-month-old daughter.
Urlacher was charged along with nine others in connection with the illegal sports betting network. However, he was the only one forgiven by Trump. The rest of the co-defendants still face charges.
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