William J. Ross - back soon to McHenry County

Last week a judge in Las Vegas approved the extradition of William J. Ross to Illinois.

This is the same William J. Ross wanted since November 7, 2013, in McHenry County for concealment of a homicidal death. He was charged after Jacqueline Schaefer's body was found on November 6th in Ross' home in McHenry County, outside the city limits of McHenry.

This is the same William J. Ross about whom the McHenry County State's Attorney Office said it couldn't (wouldn't) reveal any information because of a pending criminal case.

And the same case in which Gov. Quinn's office told me about an extradition order approved and sent to Nevada.

And the same case for which Nevada Gov. Sandoval's Extradition Officer was very helpful in providing information about the date on which Gov. Sandoval approved Gov. Quinn's request.

And the same case on the public docket in Las Vegas, where on January 22 a judge ordered Ross available for pick-up.

It makes me wonder what the secrecy in McHenry County was all about. Ross was already in jail in Clark County, Nevada. The extradition process was in progress. It was certainly not the case that Ross might flee before he was arrested; he had already been arrested and was cooling his heels in jail.

So why do you suppose McHenry County State's Attorney Office wasn't willing to provide an update to the public?

How fast will Ross bail himself out of McHenry County Jail, once he is back here? Is the concealment charge one for which he can released on bond? How much bond is typical on a concealment charge?

As in all cases, persons charged are presumed to be innocent. Has the Sheriff's Department actually developed a case against Ross, or did they just decide that, since he was the owner of the house, he must have put her body there? After all, their complete investigation before charging him only took a day. Will this blow up on them?