Notorious Masons in History
Freemasons promote study, charity and improvement through good works among it's 3.5 million members worldwide. In spite of the common belief that this is a secret society, the truth is that Freemasons proudly wear rings and lapel pins declaring their membership in this brotherhood. Freemasons also have a woman's chapter as well as programs for their children. In spite of their philosophy of good citizenship and philanthropy, there have been members who have not exemplified Freemason values. Some of those individuals made history and the headlines.
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Benedict Arnold
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Probably the most famous of the infamous Freemasons, Benedict Arnold betrayed the colonial army during the Revolutionary War. Arnold decided that what the Colonials were fighting for was wrong and defected to the British side. While Freemason George Washington became a hero, Benedict Arnold was labeled traitor. Canada and the UK regard him far differently than do students of the United States. Even though Arnold had served the Colonial army bravely, his career followed a difficult path. His reasons for switching sides are unknown.
Paul Bernardo
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Paul Bernardo and his wife Karla Homolka were serial rapists and killers from Canada. Freemasons believe he joined Freemasonry for the air of respectability it provided. The masons claim that Bernado was not active in his lodge. Bernardo's membership with the Freemasons was suspended after the guilty verdict. Bernardo was convicted in Ontario in 1995. Homolka struck a deal with the prosecution and was sentenced to only 12 years.
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Brad Bleidt
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Brad Bleidt confessed to swindling people of $27 million. A local radio owner and financial adviser ran a Ponzi scheme in which he paid investors with money from newer investors. He bilked his own Masonic Lodge of $1.2 million and two other lodges of $125,000 and $686,000. Many of his individual investors were fellow lodge members, church members and family members. Sentenced to 11 years in prison in December, 2005, he was suspended by the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts prior to his trial.
George Ryan
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George Ryan, former governor of Illinois, was found guilty of racketeering and fraud in April of 2006. He was charged with steering state contracts and leases to friends and political insiders while he served as Illinois' Secretary of State during the 1990s. This illegal activity continued during his term as governor, which began in 1999. A highly respected politician, Ryan received public acclaim when he commuted the sentences of all death row prisoners in his state. Ryan went to prison in November of 2007 and is expected serve until 2013.
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