Politics & Government
Number 5: Skokie Patch’s Biggest Stories of 2012
Our fifth biggest story was found in an obscure journal and went viral several days later. The hook: An attorney was disbarred, sent to prison after his ex-wife ratted him out on his extracurricular activities.
Sometimes, some of the biggest stories are small pieces found in obscure places. In this case, the Illinois Lawyer Quarterly reported that Skokie resident Richard Stevens Connors was smuggling Cuban cigars into the country.
Connors was found guilty in federal court for conspiring to smuggle Cuban cigars, goods into the United States as well as violating the Trading with the Enemy Act, according to the latest issue of Illinois Lawyer Quarterly.
Connors was also disbarred as a result of his actions, the publication stated. According to the New York Law Journal, Connors smuggled "truckloads of Cuban cigars into the country during the 1990s."
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The Skokie resident was also fined $60,000 and sentenced to 37-months in prison.
What made this story go viral?
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The journal stated that Connors made 31 trips to Cuba, but that his activities were halted when his ex-wife alerted U.S. Customs.
The story was posted on social media and various forums – from law school to cigar smoking.
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Prior top stories of 2012
(#4) - Former Niles North Grad Shot and Killed by Wyoming Police
(#3) - BREAKING - Child Killed After Being Hit by Vehicle
(#2) - Take a Tour Inside the Infamous Purple Hotel
(#1) -
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