If you've been wondering what our beloved Patrick Fitzgerald has been up to, unfortunately he's been pacing outside a federal courtroom in Chicago. It appears there's been some problems during juror deliberations in the infamous case of our former governor, one George Ryan. Judge Pallmeyer today issued a warning to jurors to "treat each other with dignity and respect" and "to confine their discussions of the case to the jury room and that deliberating in any outside caucuses was forbidden."
so where's Fitz? more below........
But the presence of U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald and top aides awaiting word in an outer hall on Wednesday - as trial prosecutors and defense attorneys were meeting with the judge in chambers - served to underline how seriously the government takes the problem.
Link to the story.
After 5 months, 83 witnesses, and millions spent on both sides, I'm sure no one wants to see this come back as a deadlocked jury. I know I have been eagerly awaiting for George to be issued his pretty orange jumpsuit.
For those unfamiliar with the case, former Republican governor, George Ryan and one of his cronies, Larry Warner are charged in a 22-count federal indictment with racketeering, mail fraud and other offenses. As secretary of state (yea, they elected him governor AFTER this!!) Mr. Ryan played loose and fast with his office and his campaign. Some may remember that truck drivers, all over the country, who got their licenses in Illinois were found to be incompetent drivers and never really passed any driving tests. They simply payed a fee for their license that went to the "elect George Ryan" fund. An accident in Wisconsin in which six children from one family were killed by a truck driver who had no business behind the wheel of a big rig, caught national attention. Things quickly started to unravel for Georgie.
I certainly hope this jury gets their act together and do what they need to do!!