Second Bianchi Special Prosecutor Wants Off Case
WOODSTOCK, Ill. (STMW) -- A second special prosecutor wants out of the upcoming corruption trial of McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi, who's accused of doing legal favors for political supporters and relatives.
The request filed Tuesday by Thomas McQueen raises questions about who, if anyone, will prosecute Bianchi at his criminal trial scheduled to begin Aug. 1.
The other special prosecutor appointed to the controversial case, former Lake County Judge Henry Tonigan, already has filed a request seeking to withdraw.
The latest motion prompted Bianchi's attorney to call for the dismissal of the felony charges pending against Bianchi, who remains in office.
"If nobody wants to prosecute it, they should dismiss it," defense attorney Terry Ekl said.
Bianchi, a Republican serving his second term in office, was acquitted in March of charges he ordered staffers to do political work for him on county time.
He still faces official misconduct charges for allegedly trying to help political supporters and a relative facing criminal charges.
McQueen asked Tuesday to drop out of the case, saying he can't proceed because he's been threatened with a civil lawsuit by Bianchi's defense attorneys.
Ekl disputed that claim, saying a written request he made to McQueen to preserve any evidence in the case is a routine step.
"It's a very standard letter," Ekl said.
Neither McQueen nor Tonigan could be reached for comment.
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