Judge denies sentencing break to corrupt ex-Chicago cop Joseph Miedzianowski

A federal judge denied a sentencing break Wednesday to a man prosecutors have called the most corrupt cop in Chicago history.

Joseph Miedzianowski, 68, was among several federal defendants hoping to reduce their prison sentences under the First Step Act, signed into law by then-President Donald Trump in 2018.

But U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall denied Miedzianowski’s request Wednesday, finding that he was eligible for relief but that his “criminal behavior was extremely serious and harmed his community.”

“Miedzianowski was no ordinary drug criminal,” Kendall wrote.

Miedzianowski was convicted of running a Miami-to-Chicago drug-trafficking operation. In 2003, he was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of distributing crack, supplying ammunition to gang members and revealing the identities of undercover cops to his criminal partners. Federal authorities said Miedzianowski also threatened to have lead prosecutor Brian Netols killed.

Kendall noted that Miedzianowski “led a double-life and managed to deceive even those closest to him. He damaged numerous lives; not just his own.”

“Even if Miedzianowski is truly remorseful, the court must consider the need to deter others from similar conduct,” Kendall wrote. “Given the gravity of Miedzianowski’s crimes, the court is hesitant to grant him early release when doing so could negatively impact respect for the law.”

Kendall’s decision followed an order by U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber, who on Tuesday also denied Gangster Disciples leader Larry Hoover a sentencing break under the First Step Act.

Contributing: Frank Main