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Tom Cullerton’s trial set for July

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Illinois

A judge Thursday set a trial date for next summer for state Sen. Thomas Cullerton, one of three elected officials hit with federal charges so far this year.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman set the trial for July 21, putting aside five days for prosecutors to put on their case that Cullerton embezzled from the Teamsters.

It’s not clear whether the trial date will stand, though. Lawyers also told the judge there is a dispute over evidence Cullerton’s legal team hopes to access regarding a key witness. Cullerton has pleaded not guilty and has vowed to clear his name.

Cullerton has been accused of collecting $188,320 in salary, bonuses and cellphone and vehicle allowances from the Teamsters, as well as $64,068 in health and pension contributions, while doing little or no work for the labor union. He also allegedly collected $21,678 in reimbursed medical claims.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 12:30 pm

Comments

which lawyer has this one?

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 1:37 pm
Interesting coincidence that in 2009 Judge Gettleman ruled in favor of red light camera firm Redflex Traffic Systems

Parveen Idris, et al. v. City of Chicago, et al., 1:06-cv-06085

While Cullerton is not implicated in red light camera corruption, a number of his fellow Dems are. Gettleman’s ruling cleared an important constitutional challenge to red light cameras, thus ensuring the adoption of Redflex and other cameras across the the city and state.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 1:38 pm
- Donnie Elgin -

The Tribune…

=== Safespeed was founded in 2007 by Nikki Zollar, a former Chicago Board of Elections chair who also served as director of the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation under Gov. Jim Edgar.===

Irony isn’t a way to describe a really wrinkle-free shirt.

Ok, back to the post,

=== Lawyers also told the judge there is a dispute over evidence Cullerton’s legal team hopes to access regarding a key witness.===

An interesting tidbit, if they are going to make this a “the witness is wrong, here’s why”, when records/documents are also likely in play too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 1:43 pm
OW - follow the money - Zollar gave tons of cash to Madigan, Burke, Preckwinkle and Mendoza. She also ran as a Dem for county board in 1990 as a Dem.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 1:57 pm
- Donnie Elgin -

Of all that is swirling about, the red light camera thing could have the biggest chance of bipartisan angst.

Just sayin’

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 2:00 pm
Will Cullerton be able to claim his rights for a speedy trial were violated? It will be nearly a year between his indictment and trial.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 2:16 pm
The timing is very interesting. With a small delay, trial get pushed past September 1st, and this seat is not on the 2020 ballot. Will the new Senate President demand a resignation before then should be a question.

Comment by Former Candidate on the Ballot Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 2:26 pm
Getting paid while doing little or no work. That could be applied to a lot of our legislators.

Comment by DuPage Thursday, Dec 5, 19 @ 2:33 pm