Gummerson Allowed to Represent Nygren “As an Individual”

Keith Nygren

Sheriff Keith Nygren is probably a happy man after the hearing on former Republican primary opponent and Sheriff’s Deputy Zane Seipler’s attempt to have a Special Prosecutor named to probe alleged criminal use of public money to advance Nygren’s campaign.

Nygren got permission for attorney Mark Gummerson, well known primarily for his criminal defense work, to represent him in the civil case.

Judge Thomas Meyer also undoubtedly pleased Nygren by forbidding Seipler’s attorney Blake Horowitz from questioning people in Nygren’s office.

The only thing that could have made Nygren happier would have been if the Court had allowed Gummerson to represent him in his official capacity.

Zane Seipler

I’m not sure, but it seems likely this means Nygren will have to foot Gummerson’s bill since he is representing him in his capacity as an “individual.”

Unhappy was Seipler’s attorney Blake Horwitz, who seemed to wonder whether the criminality alleged was being considered irrelevant to Judge Meyer.

Meyer repeatedly said that what was important in the case was whether there was an actual conflict that would prevent the State’s Attorney’s Office from prosecuting Nygren, if criminal activity were discovered.

Horwitz clearly thought it was important to show the Court evidence of illegal activity on the Nygren’s part. He brought a huge exhibit showing seven-pointed stars, which left the courtroom unentered into evidence.

It was also revealed that Horwitz had issued subpoenas to at least Undersheriff Andy Zinke and Deputy John Trotter (Trotter is mentioned in this article), according to Sandy Kerrick, who was standing in for Special Assistant State’s Attorney Bill Caldwell after State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi withdrew his assistant from representing county interests in the case. (Judge Meyer hinted that it might be for confidential reasons when Gummerson pressed for an explanation for Assistant State’s Attorney Don Leist’s not being still on the case.)

Lou Bianchi

Also unhappy will be McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi.

The Court said that he and his staff could be deposed concerning what I concluded was the “would” or “could” question.

“Can the State’s Attorney prosecute the Sheriff?” is one question.

If the answer is “Yes,” then Judge Meyer seems inclined to rule against Seipler’s attempt to get a Special Prosecutor named without looking at any evidence of potential wrongdoing.

“Will the State’s Attorney prosecute the Sheriff?” is a completely different question, one that I sensed the Judge thought was not relevant.

Judge Meyer repeatedly said that his decision will rely on the statute and case law.

It is my understanding that McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi believes if he investigated Sheriff Nygren, it would be at a very expensive cost of McHenry County taxpayers.

The reason would not the cost of the lawyers in such a criminal case; rather that the State’s Attorney’s would then no long be able to handle any cases involving the Sheriff’s Department, even civil ones.

When Bianchi first ran for office in 2004, a major issue was the outsourcing legal fees by State’s Attorney Gary Pack.

Bianchi argued most could be brought in house at great savings of money to the taxpayers.


Comments

Gummerson Allowed to Represent Nygren “As an Individual” — 3 Comments

  1. I couldn’t hear everything this morning, because of low voices at the bench, but I heard things differently. I didn’t hear Judge Meyer said that Gummerson could represent Nygren privately. What he said was that Gummerson couldn’t represent Nygren in his official capacity. This got the taxpayers off the hook.

    Nygren can hire anyone he wants to represent him individually, and he’ll have to pay for it. I’ll venture a guess that Nygren will save his money and rely on the County’s attorney, Bill Caldwell.

    Nygren wasted his money on the Petition to Intervene. I hope the taxpayers don’t have to foot that bill.

    Judge Meyer isn’t going to rule on anything except whether to appoint a special prosecutor. Then the special prosecutor, after appointed, will sink his teeth into Nygren.

  2. Nygren is starting to look a lot like Chaz Bono. What’s his next gig – The Biggest Loser or Jenny Craig commercials?

    Perhaps you can steer Mr. Pilpott to the closest Miracle Ear Store. Ever notice that he can rarely hear anything that he seems willing to comment on anyway? T

    he hearing was plenty loud for anyone in the back row.

    Watch how Nygren will get the county or his personal liablity insurance through the NSA to pay for his legal bills

  3. I have to agree with Larry on this one. I was too sitting in the back row and could hear everything that was being said by the Honorable Judge Meyer. Maybe Gus has selective hearing?! I think we all would love to have that when it comes to our tax money being spent like this.

    I’m actually surprised I decided to go to this hearing yesterday. I’m usually content at my place listening to the scanner all day with nothing better to do. I’ll be keeping my ears, eyes and mouth open for this mess thats coming the County’s way with Nygren!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *