Former National Radio host Warren Ballentine 'People's Attorney' spared prison

Story by Chicago Tribune
Written by Greg Trotter

A former national radio host found guilty of mortgage fraud last year left a federal courthouse Tuesday appearing grateful after being sentenced to probation instead of prison time.

Prosecutors have said Warren Ballentine, 44, formerly of Country Club Hills, acted as the real estate lawyer at closings involving more than two dozen fraudulent loans that bilked lenders out of almost $10 million. A jury in October found him guilty of six counts of mail, wire and bank fraud as well as making false statements to financial institutions.

But at Tuesday's sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly said the evidence presented at trial proved Ballentine's criminal wrongdoing in only three of those deals. Kennelly sentenced Ballentine to three years of probation and 300 hours of community service.

"He was a relatively new attorney, a relatively inexperienced attorney," Kennelly said. "He was basically chasing fees wherever he could find them. … I view Mr. Ballentine as a relatively minimal participant in this."

The judge also ordered Ballentine to pay $140,940 in restitution.

At its peak, Ballentine's three-hour daily radio show featured a wide range of issues affecting the African-American community and was syndicated on Radio One in 37 media markets, including Chicago. He billed himself as "the people's attorney."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Yonan said Ballentine played a significant role in a serious offense.

"The overlooked aspect of this is the damage it causes to communities," Yonan said.

In his own remarks to the judge before the sentencing, Ballentine described his personal narrative of rising up from an impoverished and fatherless childhood on Chicago's South Side and eating "sugar sandwiches."

Despite those challenges, Ballentine said he stayed out of trouble — until being convicted of fraud.

"I'm guilty, but I'm guilty of being ignorant," said Ballentine, his voice wavering with emotion. "I'm guilty of not paying attention. … Your honor, of course it breaks my heart that I'm going through this, but what hurts me the most is about my kids not having their father."

After the sentencing, Ballentine said he was planning to appeal his conviction and told reporters he was grateful to the judge for sparing him time in prison.

"I was portrayed as the one doing all this, but I wasn't," Ballentine said.