Special Prosecutor request still alive

After yet one more hearing in Judge Meyer's court on the petition for a special prosecutor to investigate McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren, the situation is that a strong possibility still exists for such an appointment.

The request is brought by Zane Seipler, a McHenry County Sheriff's deputy who is fighting to get his job back, and is being argued by Blake Horwitz, a Chicago attorney who is no stranger to courtrooms.

Judge Meyer didn't buy the argument by McHenry County Assistant State's Attorney Don Leist that Blake Horwitz had become an advocate and a witness in the case, not just Seipler's attorney. And Judge Meyer didn't buy Leist's pitch that Horwitz should therefore be disqualified in the case.

Horwitz had informed the Court of a conversation with State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, in which Bianchi told Horwitz that he would not investigate or prosecute Sheriff Nygren. And then Mr. Bianchi wrote a letter stating the same thing.

Judge Meyer appears to be concerned about a prior statement in court by Mr. Leist that the State's Attorney's Office could investigate Sheriff Nygren. That statement is contradicted by the conversation with and letter from Mr. Bianchi.

Perhaps the court date on April 27 will result in a decision by Judge Meyer on the request to appoint a special prosecutor.

Let's hope that all the parties who could be involved will still be available locally.