Community Corner

Bianchi Corruption Trial Starts Monday

Judge to try McHenry State's Attorney on misconduct charges.

McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi will go before Winnebago County Judge Joseph McGraw at a bench trial, Monday. Bianchi faces 19 charges of official misconduct, one count of conspiracy and one count of unlawful communication with a grand jury witness, according to the Northwest Herald.

The article also states that some McHenry County board members are frustrated with the cost of the special prosecution team, led by Henry Tonigan. The cost, which will be covered by taxpayers is up to $312,259, the Northwest Herald reported.

Bianchi's attorney Terry Ekl has referred to the charges claiming Bianchi had county employees work on his re-election campaign as "extraordinarily weak" and "a political witch hunt," according to the Daily Herald.

Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the Daily Herald article, Ekl was also critical of additional corruption charges, filed by the special prosecution team on Feb. 28. The additional charges accuse Bianchi of playing favoritism in brokering deals for reduced sentences and dropped charges.

Supporters of Bianchi have created a website, Stand by Lou, in which they aim to restore Bianchi's reputation.

Find out what's happening in Algonquin-Lake In The Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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