Shoeless Zinke Gets Caught Running Elderly Woman’s License Plate

The following lawsuit against Undersheriff Andy Zinke was filed in Federal District Court today by Sondra Matterness:
Zinke License Plate Case Caption 3-7-14

COMPLAINT

Now comes the Plaintiff, SONDRA MATTERNESS, by and through her attorney, Robert T. Hanlon, of The Law Offices of ROBERT T. HANLON AND ASSOCIATES, P.C., complaining of the Defendant, Andrew Zinke (hereinafter “ZINKE”) of Woodstock, Illinois and state as follows:

NATURE OF ACTIONS

1. This Complaint contains one count. Count One is an action arising under the Drivers Privacy Protection Act of 1994, 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq., (“DPPA”) and seeks a monetary remedy against Defendant for unlawfully obtaining, disclosing and using personal information from motor vehicle records in the amount of statutory minimum damages of $2,500 for each act whereby the Defendant has unlawfully obtained, disclosed or used personal information from motor vehicle records, other damages for compensable injuries to Plaintiff, attorney fees and costs, and relief under this Court’s equitable powers to remedy Defendant’s, violations of the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq., as it relates to Plaintiff.

JURISDICTION, VENUE & PARTIES

2. This Court has jurisdiction to hear Count I because the claim arises under a federal statute and this Court has jurisdiction pursuant to the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2724(a) (conferring jurisdiction on the United States District Courts for actions under the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq.) and 28 U.S.C. §1331 (Federal question jurisdiction).

3. Venue is proper in the Northern District of Illinois because, amongst other things, a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims occurred, and acts of Defendants relating to the cause of action set forth herein took place in this District and the Defendant maintains its principal office in this District and regularly conducts its activities in this District.

4. The Plaintiff is 78 years of age with a bad hip and resides in Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois within the Western Division of the Northern District of Illinois.

5. The Defendant, ZINKE, resides in Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois within the Western Division of the Northern District of Illinois.

6. A substantial portion of the events giving rise to these claims occurred in the Northern District of Illinois and in particular in McHenry County. Venue is, therefore, properly placed in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391.

7. At all times relevant to this complaint, Zinke was an employee of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and holds the position of “Undersheriff”.

8. On January 13, 2014 a subpoena was served upon Zinke for testimony in a deposition to take place in Woodstock, Illinois. Even though Zinke was fully aware of the manner of civil process, at the time of service, Zinke refused to accept an envelope containing a subpoena. Rather, in response to the option to leave it at his feet or simply receive the paper, Zinke preferred it be left at his feet, and so the legal papers were left at his feet. Zinke upon opening the envelope began yelling and screamed in response to being served with a simple subpoena. Furthermore, Zinke in a indignant rage raced into the street in his stocking feet and approached Plaintiff’s automobile positioning himself in front of Plaintiff’s Vehicle. While standing in front of Plaintiff’s automobile Zinke stared at the front license plate of Plaintiff’s car and thereupon made note of the license plate. The approximate air temperature at the time of the occurrence was 25 degrees F.

9. Zinke still in his socks then prevented Plaintiff’s automobile from leaving the place it was situated in the street despite a complete lack of knowledge of any wrongdoing as he was standing directly within inches of the front of Plaintiff’s automobile in his socks for a period of approximately 2 minutes. Ultimately, Zinke yielded and strutted back to his residence within the City of Woodstock.

10. Upon information and belief, Zinke thereafter ran Plaintiff’s license plate or caused the license plate of Plaintiff’s vehicle to be ran through the Illinois State Police Law Enforcement Agencies Database System (“LEADS”).

11. Upon information and belief, after Plaintiff’s license plate was ran, ZINKE obtained, used, or disclosed the personal information of the Plaintiff.

12. Thereafter, Zinke moved to quash the subpoena and the McHenry County Circuit Court denied the motion of Zinke to quash. The Circuit Court ordered the deposition for March 7, 2014.

13. Upon information and belief, Zinke has received training on the appropriate use of LEADS including the prohibition against misuse of LEADS.

14. Upon information and belief, Zinke’s use of LEADS to obtain the personal information of Plaintiff was done with willful and wanton disregard of the prohibitions set forth in the DPPA.

COUNT I 

Violation of the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq 

15. Plaintiffs, restate and re-allege the allegations of paragraphs 1-12 as if fully set out herein in this Count I.

16. This action arises under a federal statute and this Court has jurisdiction pursuant to the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2724(a) (conferring jurisdiction on the United States District Courts for actions under the DPPA) and 28 U.S.C. §1331 (Federal question jurisdiction). This is an action pursuant to the Driver Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq. (the “DPPA”).  Plaintiffs bring this action on her own behalf and on behalf of all similarly situated individuals whose “personal information” is contained in any “motor vehicle record” maintained by the State of Illinois within the meaning of the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2725 (1) and (3), who have not provided “express consent” within the meaning of the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2725 (5) to the State of Illinois for the distribution of their “personal information” for purposes not enumerated in the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2721(b), and whose “personal information” has been knowingly obtained or used by Defendants within the meaning of the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2724, for purposes not authorized by the DPPA.

17. The DPPA was enacted as part of omnibus crime legislation passed by Congress in 1993, known as the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1993, in part to provide privacy protections to individuals’ personal information and highly restricted personal information as a result, in part, of several well publicized incidents in which criminals had used publicly available motor vehicle records to identify and stalk their victims. Those incidents included:

a. the murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer in California by a man who had obtained Schaeffer’s address from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles;

b. home invasion robberies by a gang of Iowa teenagers who identified their victims by copying the license plate numbers of expensive automobiles and used those license plate numbers to obtain the addresses of the vehicle owners from the Iowa Department of Transportation; and the Arizona murder of a woman whose home address identified the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles.

18. As originally enacted in 1993, the DPPA made it unlawful for any person or organization to disclose or obtain personal information derived from any motor vehicle record, unless the subject of the information had authorized such disclosure or the request/disclosure qualified under a recognized exception, including use by a federal or state agency, use in connection with motor vehicle and driver safety, use in court proceedings, use in certain research activities relating to certain insurance matters and use for verification of personal information submitted by the subject of such information. Use of personal information for marketing activities was permitted, so long as the States had provided individuals identified in motor vehicle records with the opportunity to prohibit such disclosures. This “Opt Out” provision effectively gave the individuals the right to prohibit the States from disclosing personal information for marketing purposes. 18 U.S.C. §2721 (1993).

19. Congress significantly amended the DPPA in 1999 by eliminating the “opt out” provision for marketing activities. Use or obtaining of personal information contained in motor vehicle records for surveys, marketing or solicitations was thereafter permitted only if the State obtained the express consent of the person to whom such information pertained. Similarly, a requester of personal information was allowed to obtain such information for any purpose, if the requestor demonstrated he or she had obtained the express consent of the person to whom such personal information pertained. 18 U.S.C. 2721 (b)(13), (14) (1999). By changing the “opt out” exceptions of the 1993 to an “opt in” exception in the 1999 DPPA amendments, Congress significantly reduced the categories of persons whose personal information may be lawfully obtained under the Act. The effective date of the 1999 amendments to the DPPA was June 1, 2000.

20. Under the DPPA a “person” who knowingly obtains, uses or discloses “personal information” concerning another from a motor vehicle record for a purpose not permitted by the DPPA shall be liable to the individual to whom the information pertains. 18 U.S.C. § 2724. The DPPA provides for liquidated damages in the amount of $2,500.00 for each violation of the DPPA, reasonable attorney fees and costs, in addition to Punitive damages upon a showing of a willful or reckless disregard of the law, and other relief including preliminary and equitable relief. 18 U.S.C. §2724(b). A “person” under the DPPA is defined as “an individual, organization or entity, but does not include a state or agency thereof.” 18 U.S.C. §2721(2).

21. Under the DPPA it is unlawful for a “person” to make false representations to obtain any personal information from an individual’s motor vehicle record. 18 U.S.C. §2722(b).

22. The Drivers Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2721, defines the term “personal information” as:

Information that identifies an individual, including an individual’s photograph, social security number, driver identification number, name, address (but not the 5-digit zip code), telephone number, and medical or disability information, but does not include information on vehicular accidents, driving violations, and driver’s status.

23. Upon information and belief, the Plaintiffs allege all of the following facts and circumstances through the end of the Complaint, which facts and circumstances give rise to the claims made in this Complaint.

24. Defendant has obtained, disclosed and used personal information from motor vehicle records relating to Plaintiff, for purposes not permitted under the DPPA, including but not limited to the following:

a. Defendant, either directly or via direction to others accessed the Illinois State Police LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES DATA SYSTEM known as “LEADS” and ran Plaintiff’s license plate related to the motor vehicle records associated with Plaintiff’s license plate.

b. Zinke obtained the personal information as that term is defined in the DPPA, from Motor vehicle records for the Plaintiff’s vehicle and other vehicles registered in Illinois in violation of the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2721 et seq, including, but not limited to the make, year, Vehicle Identification Number, Owner’s Name, Address, Zip code, and Driver’s License Number (which contains a code for dates of birth and other personally identifying information) from the motor vehicle records maintained by the Illinois State Police.

c. The plaintiff has not expressly consented to the release of her personal information from a motor vehicle record as required by the DPPA.

25. Defendants have obtained personal information, as defined in the DPPA, related to plaintiffs without obtaining the written consent of any such person for purposes not authorized.

26. From and before January 13, 2014 to the date of the filing of this Complaint, Plaintiff has been a resident of the Northern District of Illinois and an owner of vehicles registered in the State of Illinois and holders of Illinois Drivers licenses, each constituting a “motor vehicle operators permit,” referenced in the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2725(1). Plaintiff is and has also been the owner and operator of automobiles registered in Illinois, for which there is a “motor vehicle title” and “Motor vehicle registration,” referenced in the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. §2725(1). Plaintiff’s Illinois Drivers License, motor vehicle title and motor vehicle registration all contain “personal information” concerning Plaintiff, within the meaning of the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. §2725(3). These records disclose, among other things, Plaintiff’s name, address and drivers license numbers.

27. After the effective date of the 1999 amendment to the DPPA (June 1, 2000), Defendant unlawfully obtained “personal information” of Plaintiff, including the named Plaintiff, from the Illinois Secretary of State’s “motor vehicle records” in violation of the DPPA, via the Illinois LEADS systems.

28. Defendants’ violations of the DPPA have been committed “knowingly” within the meaning of the DPPA 18 U.S.C. §2724(b). In the context of the DPPA, to act knowingly is to act with the knowledge of the facts that constitute the offense. See Bryan v. United States, 524 U.S. 184, 193, 118 S.Ct. 1939, 1946 (1998) (“Unless the text of the statute dictates a different result, the term knowingly merely requires proof of knowledge of the facts that constitute the offense.”) Defendants know that each obtained personal information pertaining to individuals from the Illinois Secretary of States’ records for purposes not authorized by the DPPA.

29. The information obtained by the Defendants from “motor vehicle records” contains “personal information” within the meaning of the DPPA, 18 U.S.C. §2725(3).  Defendants obtained, disclosed and/or used such information for purposes not authorized by the DPPA. Each record of “personal information” knowingly obtained, disclosed and used for unauthorized purposes from motor vehicle records is a separate and distinct violation of the DPPA, remediable under DPPA, 18 USC §2724.

30. The defendant continues to use personal information from “motor vehicle records” he previously obtained in violation of the DPPA to identify Plaintiff and others.

Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment on her behalf to the following effect:

A. Granting judgment in favor of Plaintiff against Defendant in the amount of $2,500 for each instance in which the defendant obtained, disclosed or used personal information concerning the Plaintiff for purposes not authorized by the DPPA;

B. Punitive damages as provided in the DPPA;

C. Attorney fees and costs incurred;

D. Exercise the courts general equitable powers to require Defendant to destroy any and all “personal information” obtained from “motor vehicle records” related to Plaintiff.

E. Such other relief as the court deems appropriate.

Respectfully Submitted,

By: /s/Robert T. Hanlon
Robert T. Hanlon, Plaintiff’s Attorney


Comments

Shoeless Zinke Gets Caught Running Elderly Woman’s License Plate — 142 Comments

  1. You Go Girl!…

    Take em to the cleaners!…..

    Same old Zinke antics.

    The rules are not for Zinke, they are for everyone else. Gosh Andy, no one thought that hole could get any deeper…..

    Have to feel sorry for your buddies at the local 150.

    That hole is too deep even for the experts…..

    Andy, and you are running for Sheriff?. WOW, you shouldn’t even be allowed to walk through the doors of the Government Center.

    Hey Andy, I would like to see your diploma. You wouldn’t happen to have a copy would you?

    Just curious..

  2. PR nightmare.

    I’m actually feeling sorry for this guy.

    At least put your shoes on dude, it’s still very cold outside!

  3. Recap.

    “4. The Plaintiff is 78 years of age with a bad hip and resides in Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois within the Western Division of the Northern District of Illinois.”

    5 & 7. The Defendant is [Andrew] Zinke, is employed as UnderSheriff of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

    “On January 13, 2014 a subpoena was served upon Zinke for testimony in a deposition to take place in Woodstock, Illinois.”

    8. “While standing in front of Plaintiff’s automobile Zinke stared at the front license plate of Plaintiff’s car and thereupon made note of the license plate.”

    “10. Upon information and belief, Zinke thereafter ran Plaintiff’s license plate or caused the license plate of Plaintiff’s vehicle to be ran through the Illinois State Police Law Enforcement Agencies Database System (“LEADS”).”

    “11. Upon information and belief, after Plaintiff’s license plate was ran, ZINKE obtained, used, or disclosed the personal information of the Plaintiff.”

    “14. Upon information and belief, Zinke’s use of LEADS to obtain the personal information of Plaintiff was done with willful and wanton disregard of the prohibitions set forth in the DPPA.”

    “COUNT I (Against Andrew Zinke): Violation of the Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).”

  4. How in the world can anyone, much less a person running for McHenry County
    Sheriff, act this way??????????

    He must learn how to control his anger as it was just a subpena.

  5. I hear Andy could not be deposed today because his attorney, JimB, was sick (and really old).

    JimB must be commenting on this blog from his bed.

    I’ve heard of other police personnel being fired for running people’s license plates for non-official purposes.

    Will Keith and Don do another BS investigation of Andy.

    Maybe the SA’s office should do this investigation.

  6. There is “NO HOPE” for Andy Zinke…..

    If Andy Zinke is elected our new Sheriff, there is no hope for McHenry County…….

    It’s up to the people to get out and vote..

  7. The story is crazy; Zinke is a 25 year vet; do you really believe that he would stand in front of the car of a process server to get a license plate.

    Folks, an allegation that has been made that’s it.

    You can accuse anybody of anything.

    Strange that this is making it’s way to the courts a week before election day.

    Combine this story with that with a private citizen issuing a statement regarding a personal lawsuit yesterday and I smell dirty politics at work.

    For all of you complaining about the regime, it sounds to me like it’s pulling into the station.

  8. ‘anton” you have a bowl of popcorn, with lots of butter waiting for you….

    Your Regime is waiting for you.

    Yes, I believe that Andy would stand in the front of a car of a process server to get a license plate.

    Andy Zinke, thinks he is above the law, because of that badge he wears…

    He proved it when he gave Cal the bird, and was never arrested for disorderly conduct….

    Now Anton.. go help Andy with that big fat hole he has dug for himself….

    Call your buddies from your Regime, because that hole is so deep the experts at the local 150 can’t even help him… After all, you helped him dig the hole, the least you could do is help him out of it..

  9. How can anyone in their right mind support this guy?

    Unless, of course, Zinke has something on them, and possibly ran their license plates!

    I’d be embarrassed to have a Zinke sign in my yard for all to see.

    Time to clean up the sheriff’s department.

  10. I think a person has to be appointed by the court to serve papers so I don’t think this women is saying something that is not true.

    I also think you can’t defend him on this one.

    Zinke should also know the law.

    You can’t just run a person on leads unless it is official business.

    If he broke the law by doing this he should be charged like anyone else would be.

    Lets see what happens with this one.

  11. Anyone can serve papers.

    If you work for ONE attorney the standard is very low.

    If you serve papers for many you must be a licensed ,bonded and regulated via the dept of profession regulation (abbreviated)

    Attorneys know that writing a complaint is all about using as many provocative adjectives as possible for instance, “Zinke STRUTTED back to his residence”.

    He didn’t walk, he didn’t go,he didn’t even stroll.

    No he STRUTTED. What is a strut?

    Is faster than a walk, is it hip hop?

    Barefooted and all, he strutted.

    Theatrics for effect.

    Anyone that believes this is not politically timed must be living in Oz.

    This occurred January 13 and just now, a week before the primary, the suit is filed?

    Beam me up Scotty, these guys know they can’t win based upon the quality of their candidate, his education, his experience and talent.

    No they use slander, liable and trickery.

    This is total fiction.

  12. I’ve known police officers with great integrity and I’ve known a couple who don’t understand the meaning of the word.

    Looking things up on LEADS is probably SOP for some of them.

    Are we really so naïve to say this type of thing never happens or that someone we support couldn’t or wouldn’t do this?

    Human beings can be pretty stupid sometimes.

  13. The real question is WHY did Mr. Zinke react this way?

    Why would anyone run someone on leads?

    What would be his purpose for doing this?

  14. Zinke is showing those leadership qualities . . . where did he get his degree, someone had better get documentation of that Degree.

  15. “Upon information and belief” is lawyer-speak for “I have no clue whether or not this happened, but I have to allege it so that my complaint isn’t summarily tossed out of court.”

    Re-read paragraphs 10-14.

    This woman has no clue whether Zinke ran her plates, and if she had one shred of evidence she would have cited it.

  16. Glenn, So you are calling Sondra Matterness, a 78 year old woman, a liar ?

    Oh, please, have a little respect.

  17. Mark, Guess she didn’t have time to take a picture for evidence .

  18. I forget what Reagan’s 11th Commandment says about manufacturing scandals to hurt your GOP primary opponent?

    More antics of Regime RINOs intent on seizing power?

    The utterly discredited Koizol petition was highly disturbing & sensational when first made public.

    Here we go again.

    Timing of this petition?

    Any politically affiliation or motivation by this person or her attorney?

    Is this the same Robert Hanlon running for GOP committeeman?

    Who is Mr. Hanlon politically allied with? Inquiring minds want to know.

    My guess….2 sides to every story.

  19. You can’t blame anyone else for Zinkes behavior.

    It was Zinkes timing to act that way.

    His own actions caused this not any political timing.

    Also you can find out very easily who or if anything is run on leads.

    You have to sign in the leads machine.

    I would hate to have it my number because that person would have to explain why they ran plates.

  20. Isn’t mis-use of LEADS a Class 3 Felony?

    Woodstock PD just went through that with a sergeant, and the State’s Attorney Office blinked on the felony charge and said that anticipated discipline by the sergeant’s employer (Woodstock Police Dept.) would be sufficient punishment.

    Have there been times when Zinke dropped a license plate number on a deputy’s desk and said, “Run this plate for me, will you?”

    How many deputies would have the guts to say “No, that’s illegal”?

    Maybe the Illinois State Police will investigate this alleged felony.

    Will the SAO will give Zinke a pass, because Nygren will take him out for dinner and make Zinke pay for his (Nygren’s) meal?

    Nygren will think that is more than enough punishment.

    And it won’t be at the Green Garden Restaurant.

  21. Mr. Hanlon, the attorney, is supporting Bill Prim and also the slate of candidates put up by State’s Attorney Lou Bianci in hopes of taking over the GOP in McHenry County.

    Mr. Hanlon is running for precinct committeeman in Dorr Township.

    Hanlon takes his orders from Sandra Salgado who wants to be Chairman of the GOP.

    Sandra Salgado is the wife of Ron Salgado who is Bianci’s chief investigator.

    It’s getting down right dirty folks.

  22. Except, voter, we do not know what happened.

    Without hearing Mr. Zinke’s side of the story, you & the Regime henchmen are jumping to rash conclusions in your zeal to attack Mr. Zinke & influence the election.

  23. markmcguire, I have more than a strong hunch that LEADS has an audit trail that would provide the evidence that Ms. Matterness’s license plate was queried at/around the time of the alleged incident.

    The record of such a query would be sufficient evidence to show this is not fabricated.

    To Zinke’s supporters, if someone with a badge was running for elected office and did the same to you, wouldn’t you do what you could to expose this behavior?

    I certainly would.

  24. Teacher, the case that created the need for Zinke to be served, is VERY INTERESTING and scary to Zinke. He has some serious problems.

  25. “Teacher 155” You are so twisted. It is not the Regime henchmen that are jumping to rash conclusions, it is the Regime Henchmen “like you” that are trying to rationalize and justify Zinkes behavior, instead of allowing him to be held accountable for his behavior… You are purposely misleading the public to believe that Prim supporters are part of the Regime “WRONG” If you noticed Prim was not working for McHenry County Government and in no way was ever connected with the Regime…. You might want to think about speaking with integrity and honesty…. Clearly, you are trying to sell “Andy the Clown” and all of his antics, but that does not mean you should twist the truth and purposely mislead people… Hey, depositions in Rockford…lol… Don’t be losing any sleep…. If you know anything about history, Regimes don’t last forever. Eventually, people rebel and the Regime comes toppling down along with all of the participants…. It is just a matter of time before you and your buddies who like popcorn are no longer aloud to hear those kernels pop… and I promise you there will be no more extra butter to go around either. Sure hope Keith Baby doesn’t throw another one of those famous temper tantrums at the tax payers expense. Just remember “Teacher 155” your buddy “Fukoku” thought they were invincible too. Just a thought….

  26. You know the part that makes this really hilarious?

    You are all republicans, and you treat each other like this.

  27. Yaaawn!

    Prediction… This complaint will not survive review in Federal Court.

    It will be either quietly dropped so that Hanlon and his client don’t have to show their cards or tossed for the reason that it’s shown to be pure B.S.

    Let’s wait and see.

    The damage – intentional – to Zinke’s campaign has been done.

    The timing is perfect. Bravo Hanlon!

  28. My guess was wrong on this one, I had guessed Hanlon for filing a suit against Zinke next week within two days of the primary in our pool. 😉

    I read down and saw “strutted” “indignant rage” and “bad hip” and wondered for a moment if this was really a court filing or a political campaign mailing?

    Police officers are very frequently served court papers at their place of employment.

    I mean this guy works all day at the courthouse it is a pretty safe place to serve a paper, have plenty of witness’s and not have any undue drama.

    In my opinion there is only one reason you show up at the family home of someone who works all day at the courthouse alone in the evening to serve a paper in this manner…and I believe it wouldn’t be because you want a courthouse full of witness’s.

  29. “ButSeriously” Have to say Andy Zinke and Keith Nygren have taught you well.

    There is always justifications or rationalizations for Andy’s behavior…

    Are you sure you are not twelve?

    Process servers can and will serve when and where they deem appropriate.

    They determine that not you…

    I have seen Andy Zinke strut, and be indignant with a bad hip, and let me tell you it is not pretty.

    In fact, it is downright intimidating….

    Andy’s demeanor is never cool and collected when he gets angry…

    For example, that famous middle finger of his…. REMEMBER?????…..

    He should be arrested for disorderly conduct..

    The women was just doing her job, and Andy couldn’t accept that she probably outsmarted him and served him with the subpoena…

    Can’t wait until Andy Zinke is officially deposed and has to answer to the people of McHenry County….

    Now Andy, don’t forget to raise your hand, “NOT” your finger, when you are asked to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

    If you don’t cooperate, Andy, you can and will be held in contempt of court….lol…

    Oh my goodness, we have waited decades for this to happen….

    Andy, you are not as invincible as you thought you were, are you now?

    Justice has finally arrived in McHenry County..

    Thank you, from above..

  30. Who in their right mind sends a 78 year old woman with a bad hip to serve legal papers?

    Especially to someone’s home.

    Why didn’t the attorney present the legal papers himself at the courthouse?

    This whole episode sounds like another Gotcha setup designed solely to embarrass Mr. Zinke.

    I am surprised that Cal wasn’t tipped off & lurking in the shadows to videotape the entire incident.

    Or was he there videotaping?

    Waiting for the Skinner film.

    Who is this attorney?

    The same Robert T. Hanlon that defended Cal Skinner against a frivolous complaint before the Ethics Commission last August 2013?

    The same Robert T. Hanlon that harshly criticized Mr. Zinke at that hearing and in the Northwest Herald?

    The same Robert T. Hanlon who spoke on behalf of Bill Prim at Prim’s Bull Valley Country Club fundraiser in February?

    The same Robert T. Hanlon that is representing 4 Sheriff’s deputies in legal proceedings involving the Sheriff’s Office?

    The same Robert T. Hanlon who has a law office located at 14212 Washington Street, Woodstock, Illinois?

    Coincidentally, Merryman Aggregate is also located at 14212 Washington Street, Woodstock, Illinois.

    Isn’t Tom Merryman a major Prim supporter who also spoke at the same Prim’s Bull Valley Country Club fundraiser that Mr. Hanlon spoke at?

    Is this the same Robert T. Hanlon who represented Merryman Excavating in lawsuit against Union 150?

    Mr. Hanlon sure is generating a lot of clientele from the Regime RINOs!

    Have to pay the bills somehow.

  31. Teacher155, I think the best you could do for Zinke is to pick up some of those medical type devices, Help I can’t get up, accept his and his friends would have ones, where you push the button, to call for help because your behavior needs some modification. Could beep an Attorney!

  32. Teacher155/anonymous coward:

    “…Who in their right mind sends a 78 year old woman with a bad hip to serve legal papers? Especially to someone’s home. Why didn’t the attorney present the legal papers himself at the courthouse?…”

    If you really are a teacher in District 155, you are the Ignorant Public Agency Parasite Of The Day- congrats!

    Why is a 78 y.o. woman serving papers? Because A) it’s her job and B) she needs the job.

    The woman is the same age as my mom- and I could introduce you to many of my mother’s contemporaries who are working in their 70s because they have to.

    They don’t have the giant state pension phallus to fellate, unlike you, Teacher155.

    Why serve a warrant at a home address?

    Because it is easier than serving it at the county building.

    And why on earth would you think the subpoena would find its way to Mr. Zinke?

    One of his shaved monkeys would use it for toilet paper before the server was out of the building.

    Clearly, critical thinking skills were never part of your education, Teacher155/anonymous coward/parasite.

  33. A final observation on your spectacularly ignorant quote, Teacher155/anonymous coward-

    Why would someone send a 78 y.o. woman to serve a subpoena to one of rhe county’s highest ranking law enforcement officers?

    Because they assumed the officer wouldn’t behave like a monkey throwing feces at zoo visitors.

    Too much to expect, I guess…

  34. Reagan’s 11th Commandment violated yet again by our local Neo-Con RINOs in their unending zeal to seize the Shetiff’s Office and consolidate the Regime’s grip on political power in McHenry County.

    Sic Semper Tyrannis.

  35. Lots of comments here condemn because they take as fact the allegations. Surely a 78 woman with a bad hip would never lie. Or embellish.

    Or ,is-remember. Right… Very Ibsen-esque to base your argument on your own allegations as if they were fact.

    Look, a complaint can include anything as an allegation.

    I was once tasked with defending the President of the U.S. in a 1984 claim which included the core allegation of “The birds don’t sing anymore.”

    Earlier post is right…the complaint doesn’t state that Zinke ran this woman’s plates.

    It states that she thinks he might have.

    So it’s a fishing expedition.

    And one that probably won’t survive the primary.

    Since most of the readers here seem to be pro-prim, I’m guessing these facts won’t sway your cemented hatred.

    Nor will they affect the future behavior of Hanlon, who is very much an insider in the Prim camp.

    I’m disappointed in him, though, and disappointed in anybody who doesn’t recognize (or refuses to recognize) how sophomoric this bit of political theater is.

    Purely cornball.

    You’d think with the kind of money Merryman et al are throwing at the Prim camp, they could hire a consultant who could polish up the efforts to be a little less transparent.

  36. As usual, the race for the County’s highest elected official is contentious, mean-spirited and downright venom-filled.

    It is very easy for ISP to check the LEADS records.

    Many years ago, ISP made it very clear that no violations of LEADS use would be tolerated.

    Most agencies and operators took this to heart.

    Those who are above the law, such as a certain WPD sergeant, obviously did not.

    To an outside observer, the whole Sheriff’s Department looks very bad; I’m sorry.

    The lowly jailer who was not part of the “posse” was fired for tipping off a business owner in an investigation while the Undersheriff was endorsed for Sheriff.

    The antics of the US at “that” parade and his subsequent denial was even more childish than the act itself.

    But even more disappointing is his pointing fingers at the County Board for his running the jail rental program into the ground.

    Hey, any five year old will tell you that when he runs his lemonade stand and he pays five of his buddies to help because it’s so busy that he cannot survive this “business” when the customers are cut in half and he still pays everyone the same and makes 2 of them supervisors and sends the other 3 for training in Florida…

    Honesty, integrity and transparency in govenment is what they all promise but I have never seen this in McHenry County; at least not for a long time.

    The power of the vote is all we have.

    I would advocate starting over in every elected position with new faces.

    And, if after 4 years, it’s the same old garbage then we do it again.

    Unfortunately, we as Americans fall for the same old rhetoric and finger pointing and vote for the same thieving crooks as usual.

    Here’s hoping for a change.

  37. Great assessment Patrick.

    Just want to let you know that there is at least one other sane person reading these comments.

    I hope that those in the ‘reformer’ group that are genuinely concerned about reform come out of their haze and realize that they are being lead around by the nose by some scary folks.

  38. What I don’t understand is why Mr. Zinke didn’t just accept the subpoena.

    Might he have been subpoenaed in a court case relating to the Sheriff’s Dept that required his witness?

  39. Teacher155/anonymous coward- you really need to sort out your delusional political theories.

    This blog has been chock full of RINO accusations against Zinke- just type RINO into the search field at the top of the page.

    After all, Jack Franks is supporting Zinke, as are all of Keith Nygren’s Democratic faithful/posse/gang.

    But now- Zinke is not the RINO(having the endorsement of the county’s leading Democrats), but Prim is(having the support of Tea Party zealots that would make Joseph Goebbels blush).

    Really. Crawl back into your autoerotic asphyxiation hobby closet, please.

  40. The Tea Party would make Goebbels blush because they want the limited Constitutional powers of the government upheld. Despite continual assault for standing on this principle of law no Goebbels propaganda will erode it coming from either party. It is the oath of the politicians to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Goebbels’ heirs & minions chastise those citizens that dare hold them accountable to their oath.

  41. Patrick in Cary/anonymous coward-

    “…Look, a complaint can include anything as an allegation.

    I was once tasked with defending the President of the U.S. in a 1984 claim which included the core allegation of “The birds don’t sing anymore…”

    You must be very poorly read, not to recognize a line from Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.

    A greater shame that you claim to have defended the President of the United States, and yet lack the spine to actually use your name in this forum. To me, behavior indistinguishable from a 60 year old man pretending to be a 12 year old girl.

  42. John Lovaas. You certainly demonstrate your intellect with your Ad Hominem attacks.

    Can’t win the debate on merits, then just attack & name-call.

    A familiar tactic of our local Neo-Con RINO faction.

    Long live the Regime!

    Search Cal’s blog site, really?

    Cite others bloggers name-calling as evidence to support your contention that Zinke is the real RINO.

    Highly authoritative.

    History quiz, John.

    Brutus, Cato, Centinel, Publius, Novanglus & Silence Dogood?

    What do these names all have in common?

    All pen names of various Founding Fathers.

    In political discourse, pen names are as old as the Republic itself.

    And, the Founding Fathers employed pen names for the exact same reasons as present-day posters to this website. T

    o avoid the scurrilous personal attacks of disaffected malcontents.

  43. From what I have read the whole current Sheriff’s department looks bad.

    I’ve seen Mr. Zinke’s most embarrassing moments escalate and now it is over his treatment of an older women just doing her job ( allegedly) wasn’t he ever taught to respect his elders? ( allegedly)

    He gave the finger during a, of all things,a parade where children are at and that is not allegedly. Pictures speak 1,000 words.

    He ran the lady’s plates on Leads (allegedly) for his own purpose

    He made funny faces during the debate.

    Didn’t anyone tell him that if you make funny faces at someone your face might freeze that way.

    That is not allegedly because it is on tape.

    Temper control they have classes for.

    Having a tantrum because you are served a piece of paper ( allegedly) is not good for your blood pressure.

    All of these allegations have been a result of Mr. Zinky’s own behavior and can not be blamed on anyone else.

    There have been a lot of allegedly s here.

    Mr. Zinky will have his day in court in all fairness to him.

    I’m sure he will explain himself.

    It’s rather funny that you never hear anything about Mr. Prim going on.

    A lot of unanswered questions for Mr. Zinky and not Mr. Prim.

    Mr. Prim is a man of integrity and honor and is highly qualified to be the Sheriff of McHenry County.

  44. Ah, Teacher155/anonymous coward-

    What spectacular narcissism you suffer from.

    Our Founding Fathers were disgruntled20-somethings; look at the average age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

    The Monroe Doctrine?

    Indistinguishable from mental illiness.

    As to which candidate is the “RINO”?

    I was simply instructing you to review the available data yourself.

    Please provide your supporting evidence.

    Ever since Mr. Zinke declared his intent to run for Sheriff, Tea Party Republicans(are they RINOs?) have been calling Mr. Zinke a RINO.

    In the last 24 hours, you have decided that Mr. Prim- who is supported by the Tea Party constituents of the Republican Party(are they the RINOs?) is the RINO.

    Let me get this straight- members of the same political party are claiming that both of the sheriff candidates are RINOs.

    Please cite your sources.

  45. All the hyperbole and other fluff in this complaint is, IMNSHO opinion is totally irrelevant to the issue at hand (i.e. “barefoot,” “stocking feet,” “strutting,” “bad hip,” “staring,” “25 degrees,” “78 yrs old,” “indignant rage”).

    What does any of this have to do with anything?

    The complaint reads like one of the insane rants often seen on these blogs posted by the likes of Duncan, Fukoku and their crowd.

    I can only be viewed as more of the same, cloaked in a bogus complaint in the US District Court in an attempt to lend legitimacy to the claim.

    You people who view this complaint as proof positive that Zinke is as bad as his detractors say, are the very same people who view the actions of a federal judge, likely the same one who will hear this case, as irrelevant since it was YOUR ox he gored when he stated for the record that Zane Seipler and his wife had lied to the court and thereby should pay what, in effect, is a $240,000(?) fine.

    That finding means nothing, but the mere filing of this complaint is proof positive that Zinke has committed an offense.

    Then there is a total lack of ANY substantive detail with regard to the specific acts which ARE relevant to the alleged violation.

    Perhaps the McHenry County Economic Development Commission really needs to get busy and entice somebody to start up a private ambulance service to give Mr Hanlon something to do and enable him to get some exercise.

    Of course, that’s just my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

  46. Fred: Knowing Mr. Hanlon your statement that he takes orders from Sandra Salgado is ridiculous.

    I dont think he would give you the time of day if you tried to order him to do anything.

  47. Complete desperation by the Prim crowd.

    It is obvious they don’t feel they can win on merit alone so the Obama/Saul Alinsky-like attacks will continue to escalate.

    I have to admit it is kind of funny some here are claiming it was just easier to send this women to the family home at night where their wouldn’t be a witness instead of walking the paper 50 feet down the hallway as happens almost daily at the courthouse.

    It has gotten a bit shameless.

  48. The Prim crowd desperate?

    I don’t think so.

    All they have to do is sit back and let Mr.Zinke be himself.

    Mr. Prim can concentrate on the people of McHenry County and the real issues.

  49. Once again I ask this question which is NOT political:

    What I don’t understand is why Mr. Zinke didn’t just accept the subpoena.

    Might he have been subpoenaed in a court case relating to the Sheriff’s Dept that required his witness?

  50. Ellen- your questions are wrapped around the belief that the allegations are legitimate.

    Just because someone files a lawsuit, does not mean that the allegations contained are real… especially when the allegations are made against a candidate a week and a half before an election.

  51. Ellen

    A week before the election doesn’t have anything to do with Mr. Zinke’s behavior.

    I had the same question myself. Why did he get so mad. He knew he would be getting a subpoena to be a witness so why all the fuss.

    People are making excuses for him and his behavior that’s all.

    A lawsuit is an allegation but why would this lady lie and make up a story.

    I have my opinion and I believe her.

    I do however hope you vote for Mr.Prim as he is very qualified and has no questions about him.

  52. Ellen.

    Politics aside, quite possibly Mr. Zinke did peacfully accept the subpoena.

    We do not know.

    No one has heard Mr. Zinke’s side of the story.

    The Regime supporters have already tried & convicted Mr. Zinke on mere allegations.

    The Regimist RINOs accept the allegations as Gospel truth because it serves their purpose.

    To date, all of the many “allegations” against Mr. Zinke have been proven wholly false.

    But, The Regimists belive that if you keep throwing mud, something will stick.

    Doesn’t matter if its true as long as it dirties him up.

    Could the current allegations be absolutely true?

    Yes.

    Could the allegations be utterly false?

    Yes.

    Is there some gray, blurry in between.

    Probably.

    Apparently no witnesses.

    Sondra’s word against Andrew’s word.

    And, John Lovass/identified hero.

    To claim “membership” in the Tea Party movement admits to being a RINO.

    The Tea Party is NOT the Republican Party.

    Since its inception, national Tea Party leaders have identified it as distinctly separate of the GOP with its own agenda.

    Although many in the local Crystal Lake movement (led by Prim & the Regime) seek a hostile takeover of the McHenry County GOP to further their own political ambition & special interests, not the ideals of the national Tea Party.

    These Demagogues are destroying an inclusive, strong & vibrant local GOP that has made McHenry County an incredible community.

    Fortunately, we loyal & true Republicans (moderate & conservative) are on to the Regime.

  53. Damn those Tea Party conservatives who are making the Regime sweat.

    So Teacher, who is loyal to the GOP Platform? Who is True to the GOP Platform?

    McHenry County is an incredible community.

    It is also incredibly over taxed – 29th in the nation.

    Wait – are Tea Party Conservatives RINOs?

    I am just asking the questions here.

  54. But the subpoena he was being served with was in regards to another matter.

    This lawsuit is in response to the way in which the subpoena was handled.

    They are 2 separate issues. Again my question is why not accept the subpoena?

    Isn’t it within the a normal course of service that someone in the Sheriff’s office or police dept. would get a subpoena in regards to appearing in court as a witness for the dept?

    I don’t understand the response to the subpoena and why plates were run.

    Apparently there must be evidence of the plates being run – thus the lawsuit.

    What the heck was in that subpoena?

  55. Tom Stark.

    The most affluent communities will generate the highest tax revenues.

    Simple fact.

    Teaparty.org (About Us tab) claims to include Democrats, Republicans, Liberatarians and Independents as do most, if not all, other national groups aligning with the Tea Party movement.

    I am not aware of any national Tea Party movement professing to be solely Conservative much less exclusively Republucan.

    Hence true Tea Party Conservatives claiming to be Republicans are RINOs.

    The Tea Party is driven by issues, not party ideology, platform & unity.

    Myself, while I agree with most Tea Party principles & respect the Tea Party movement, I am a conservative Republican, not a Tea Party Conservative who professes to be a Republican.

    Big difference.

    Even worse are the local Neo-Con Demagogues who hop on the local Tea Party bandwagon to garner votes.

  56. Those statements in the complaint sure sound like the zinke we all know at MCSO.

    Fuko and zinke must have went to the same class together.

    Political suicide 101.

    If zinke and his few followers had a brain, they should have sent zinke away for the past year so he can’t be seen in public, where his true colors will show.

    Folks, you are witnessing the true zinke come to life .

    We tried telling you about him, but you wouldn’t listen…Well, now you see yourself..

    MR. BILL PRIM is the only true leader that the citizens of McHenry County need as the next Sheriff.

    Bill Prim for McHenry County Sheriff, a man with the experience, ethical, truthful, controls his temper, won’t retaliate , truly understands and wants to restore the Sheriffs Office back to the citizens of McHenry County.

  57. Ellen- Not sure if you are a bit slow or maybe a bit deceptive?

    You keep asking “why not accept the subpoena?” so let’s explore that a bit.

    Zinke has been a patrol officer, canine handler, Detective and administrator or the past couple decades.

    By the very nature of those roles he has been subpenaed, named in lawsuits, and required to testify probably hundreds of times.

    He has no history of ducking subpoenas.

    His department is typically in charge of delivering them and they can’t exactly go back to a judge and say we can’t find him with any expectation that could be good for him.

    A process server doesn’t even have to leave the courthouse to serve him.

    So the whole situation makes no sense at all.

    To use a private server (still not known publicly if she is licensed to) to his home in the evening with no witness’s when you could have just walked down the hall or check a box and probably pay less just to have his own department hand it to him doesn’t follow logically.

    I did get a chuckle at Hanlon’s descriptive writing it reads a bit like a mystery novel and almost seems like it is written to look like a first person account instead of hired representation quoting a client.

    Truly desperate.

    However lets be real those watching over the past few years can’t really be surprised that Team Bianchi/Prim supporting crowd would go full court press with lawsuits towards Zinke and supporters right before the election.

    Right out of the Obama playbook.

  58. Lawsuits don’t stop just because there is an election.

    You can’t say “Oh wait we can’t do this because an election is a week away.”

    Isn’t this what Obama did with Bengazi.

    Hold the truth from the people until after he won the election and then the truth came out?

  59. Teacher155 brought it up.

    Is a tea party person bad?

    What does it mean?

    Is this new group bad if some are tea party types?

    What about the moderate and the “African American” party?

  60. Interesting.

    Closely re-reading the written lawsuit, Mr. Hanlon does not mention who actually served the subpoena.

    He goes into great detail about how it was served, but fails to identify who served the subpoena.

    Nor does Mr. Hanlon make any specific reference to Sondra Matterness being present during the incident.

    Mr. Hanlon only references the Plaintiff’s automobile being there, but never the Plaintiff Sondra Matterness being there.

    So, was Sondra Matterness there?

    Was she a duly appointed process server or private detective?

    Did the 78 year old woman with the bad hip actually serve the subpoena?

    Or was someone else borrowing her car?

    Or did she drive someone else there?

    Mr. Hanlon provides great detail of Mr. Zinke’s actions, but goes to great length to avoid mention of who actually served the subpoena.

    Mr. Hanlon seems to imply that Sondra Matterness served the subpoena.

    But never states such.

    So, did someone else serve the subpoena.

    Someone hostile and offensive to Mr. Zinke?

    Someone who regused to provide lawful credentials or identify themselves?

    Did some Regime thug try to intimidate Mr. Zinke while serving him at home?

    If so, Mr. Zinke would have viable cause to check the license plates to confirm the person’s identity & if the person was licensed to serve court paperwork.

    Falsely serving subpoenas is a crime.

    Mr. Zinke may have had just cause to believe that the unidentified server was illegimate and commutting a crime.

    So, was Sondra Matterness even present?

    And who served the subpoena?

    Inquiring minds want to know?

  61. Wrong Tom Stark.

    I did not first raise the Tea Party in this blog post.

    John Lovaas first cited the Tea Party in his 1139am post as evidence that Andrew Zinke is the true RINO for Sheriff.

    I merely responded to John Lovaas’ absurd assertion that the local Tea Party bloggers are the final arbiter of true Replubicans in McHenry County.

    Now, you have picked up on this topic started by John Lovaas, not me.

    It is irrelevant to the bogus Regime RINO allegations against Mr. Zinke.

    I have no further thoughts than that which I have previously offered.

  62. Several had said they don’t know if any of this is true because Zinke has not yet spoken to explain his side of this.

    Rest assured, just like every other suggestion of his ethical lapses, he won’t.

    This is the real Zinke coming out and it will only get worse if he is elected

  63. Teacher 155 still trying to justify a terrible way to act.(allegedly )

    I suppose an alien with big green ears could have knocked on the door and he refused to take the paper so the little alien dropped it at his feet and ran to his spaceship so of course he felt compelled to run out yelling in his socks to get the license plate number and then run it on leads.

    Come on Teacher 155 get real.

    Don’t make excuses let Mr. Zinke go to court and defend himself as he has a right to.

    It is only an allegation.

    Maybe stress is getting to someone

  64. So, Tom Stark, a question for you.

    Do you agree with John Lovaas’ assertion that Tea Party Republicans are the sole arbiters of whether a person is a True Republicans or RINOs?

  65. Teacher155 what does your last question have to do with the lawsuit charge?

    Looks like you are trying to divert the main subject to another.

  66. Cal,

    My this has taken on a life of its own…

    Have you set a record for responses yet.

  67. voter.

    Enlighten me.

    Is Sondra Matterness a licensed private detective?

    Or an employee of a licensed private detective agency?

    Or court appiinted special process server?

    Checking the Illinois Dept of Professional Regulation website License Lookup, I could not find Sondra Matterness listed as a licensed private detective authorized to serve court papers.

    Google searching….Illinois law says you must be a sheriff, private detective or soecially appointed process server.

    Also, the law says private detectives and process servers must register their license with the Sheriff.

    Maybe she is a Jessica Fletcher.

    But Mr. Hanlon’s lawsuit never states that Sondra Matterness was a detective or licensed process server.

    Only that she is 78 with a bad hip.

    And he never writes that Sondra Matterness was actually there when this occurred.

    So, voter, please enlighten us if you can shed further light upon Sondra Matterness the Private detective or special process server.

    She may be, but Mr. Hanlon doesn’t say.

    Seems kind of important.

    Either sloppy or misleading work.

  68. Also voter.

    My 7:03pm post was in direct response to Tom Stark’s 6:16pm post.

    Personally I do not think the Tea Party has a doggone thing to do with this.

    Except that, in his 11:39am post, John Lovaas first asseted that the local Tea Party bloggers deemed Andrew Zinke a RINO as authoritative proof that Zinke is a RINO.

    I merely responded to John. Confused yet?

    Not certain why John Lovaas & Tom Stark are so intent upon raising the Tea Party in this thread.

    I’m not.

  69. Your name may be Teacher 155 but it is apparent you are not a teacher or an attorney.

    There is more to it than looking up a website.

    If I would have to explain everything to you I would have to charge you.

    This blog is about Zinke being served so lets not bring up other subjects.

  70. Simple questions, voter. Who served Andrew Zinke?

    Is Sondra Matterness legally qualified to serve?

    Too difficult for you, slick?

    And, Dunc, my good friend, I think I will enjoy a bowl of buttered popcorn while I wait for voter to quit evading my questions & changing topics.

    Might even watch the “Price is Right” and “Lets Make a Deal.” V

    ery appropo while others cover for Mr. Hanlon’s vague legal draftsmanship.

  71. Here is a hint.

    The plaintiff is Sondra Matterness and yes she is qualified to serve.

    The only way she would be disqualified was if it were a foreign writt or an i.d.v.a

    Do I now have to explain what that means?

    Now where do I send the bill.

  72. Teacher 155

    Thank you for the suggestion about watching

    lets make a deal

    That would be good as someones new campaign slogan.

  73. voter. You again evaded the question.

    Pretty slick.

    You must be a lawyer. LOL.

    Again, did Sondra Matterness personally serve court papers on Andrew Zinke?

    If she did, Mr. Hanlon’s lawsuit is very sloppy because it does not say that.

  74. Teacher, Please go to bed………you have school in the morning.

    You know nothing about the law and voter did answer your question.

    THE PERSON THAT IS THE PLAINTIFF IS SONDRA MATTERNESS, WHO IS THE SAME PERSON WHO PERSONALLY SERVED THE PAPERS……..WHAT PART OF THAT DON”T YOU UNDERSTAND ?

    How many times does voter have to say it ?

    So, O.K. , maybe the lawsuit isn’t written exactly the way that you can understand it.

    Are you an English teacher ?

    Go To Bed…

    Enough Already

    # He who runs shoeless in the street, loses race.

  75. When making accusations of who is RINO and who is not..

    Does it seem well thought out to do this with the handle “Teacher155″…

    I am simply curious…

  76. So Mr. Thorsen, all teachers are Democrats?

    And you want to hold elected office.

    Nothing like winning over voters.

    Assuming you are who you say you are. LOL.

    And, Happy Trails, thanks for answering my simple question.

    voter was stumped by it.

    We will soon find out if you are right.

    Good night, all. It was fun.

  77. I was simply trying to get my hands around the Irony teach, no need to leap blindly to conclusions Old Friend…

  78. Hmmmm. This breaks a little over a week before the election and is spoon fed to Cal’s Blog – an open supporter of Prim and antagonist to Zinke.

    Has the summons been served or even placed for service?

    What happens when you make accusations against someone that you know are untrue but are difficult to prove are false.

    The defendant or respondent is in the position of having to prove a negative – a difficult task under any circumstance, but one even more so when the complaint is without any basis in fact.

    When does it come out?

    When is the plaintiff forced to show his cards and make his case?

    When it goes to court, of course.

    Right?

    Okay, so what happens if we see a complaint loaded with accusations, no substantiation – merely a recitation of the law supposedly violated and its genesis – exactly like we’re reading here and then before the summons is served and the court obtains jurisdiction in the case, the plaintiff abruptly dismisses the suit, like maybe on March 18th?

    Any comeback on the attorney since the pleadings never are tested in court?

    Any problem for some attorney who shrugs his shoulders and says “not me!

    My client told me all this happened and then backed out.

    I didn’t throw her under the bus like somebody else did with his wife.”

    What are we left with?

    A candidate tarnished by lies cloaked in legal proceedings that were initiated in bad faith and a public who has been flim flammed – both being left with no recourse!

    Is it live or is it Memorex?

    I guess we’ll see soon enough.

    Stay tuned!

  79. Great synopsis of the situation Truthful.

    People with three active brain cells will know that this orchestrated political maneuver was done for effect rather than actual tort resolution.

    Notwithstanding the grandiose double speak in the complaint, the hyperbole of Hanlon’s imagination, and most importantly the total lack of its credibility, we know that Cal had this almost before the ink dried.

    Convenient.

    We all know that Cal Skinner is the flag bearer for the anti Zinke crowd, but you have loss any thread of credibility you ever had.

    Win or lose thus will pass, but your deceit will live forever.

  80. Isn’t the suit based on plates being illegally run?

    All the other info. seems to be beside the point.

    10. Upon information and belief, Zinke thereafter ran Plaintiff’s license plate or caused the license plate of Plaintiff’s vehicle to be ran through the Illinois State Police Law Enforcement Agencies Database System (“LEADS”).

    11. Upon information and belief, after Plaintiff’s license plate was ran, ZINKE obtained, used, or disclosed the personal information of the Plaintiff.

    12. Thereafter, Zinke moved to quash the subpoena and the McHenry County Circuit Court denied the motion of Zinke to quash. The Circuit Court ordered the deposition for March 7, 2014.

  81. Ellen- Google is a wonderful tool, search “information and belief”.

    There is no fact to this suit at all.

    I hope that helps you.

    If the band of bozos that are the reformers succeed, the Republican Party in McHenry Party is dead.

    I’m done with this vile blog.

  82. From http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/:

    information and belief n. a phrase often used in legal pleadings (complaints and answers in a lawsuit), declarations under penalty of perjury, and affidavits under oath, in which the person making the statement or allegation qualifies it.

    In effect, he/she says: “I am only stating what I have been told, and I believe it.”

    This makes clear about which statements he/she does not have sure-fire, personal knowledge (perhaps it is just hearsay or surmise), and protects the maker of the statement from claims of outright falsehood or perjury.

    The typical phraseology is: “Plaintiff is informed and believes, and upon such information and belief alleges that defendant diverted the funds to his own use.”

  83. Personally I do not think the Tea Party has a doggone thing to do with this.

    http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2014/03/07/shoeless-zinke-gets-caught-running-elderly-womans-license-plate/comment-page-2/#comment-399104

    I cannot help but laugh.

    So amazing.

    It is downright breathtaking to witness this from the sidelines.

    I support the efforts of the reformers – Zinke is imploding and bringing Tryon, Davis, and Daniel down with him.

    People are already whispering around the county and downstate about how all of this chicanery could have happened under Tryon’s watch?

    It has.

    The state is actively watching what is happening in McHenry County.

    The efforts of the reformers is being watched on several statewide and nation wide political news letters.

    None of us should be shocked.

    This is what happens when you have a party, in this case the McHenry County Republican Central Committee, that is more concerned about promoting its officers and retaining power than building the party and growing future leaders.

    There are many examples of their poor leadership and lackadaisical work ethic.

    How did Tryon, Davis, and Daniel let Melissa Denker file with only 10 signatures?

    How did Tryon, Davis, and Daniel not fill more empty precincts with motivated committeemen?

    Why did Tryon, Davis, and Daniel have to run 19 write in campaigns for precinct committeeman?

    Wouldn’t it have been easier to get your people to do the work on the front end?

    Why is Tryon, Davis, and Daniel mailing precincts supporting candidates for precinct committeeman who have never showed up to a single Republican event, yet calling their work “fantastic”?

    Zinke is just a symptom of everything that is wrong with the party – it will be changed after March 18th.

  84. Clearly anton is done with this vile blog.

    Looks like “The Regime” is in full panic mode doing everything it can to discredit whomever they can.

  85. “Alex” keep drinking you own Kool Aid.

    You are not on the sidelines and we know who you are.

    Using a pseudonym to self promote?

    It helps us confirm who you really are, and you have a dark heart.

    I hope that you at least understand that your own dreams of power are doing more damage than good.

    Stop letting them drag you around my the nose.

  86. “Tom” keep drinking you own Kool Aid.

    You are not on the sidelines and we know who you are.

    Using a pseudonym to self promote?

    It helps us confirm who you really are, and you have a dark heart.

    I hope that you at least understand that your own dreams of power are doing more damage than good.

    Stop letting them drag you around my the nose.

  87. Just had to make it an even one hundred!

    Congratulations, Cal!!

    Wonder if the NWH is watching?

  88. Why isn’t this news printed in the NWH ?

    Oh I know never-mind.

    Of course it might be if were Bill Prim.

    VOTE FOR BILL PRIM MARCH 18

    # Cal this must be story in itself getting over 100 comments

  89. Like someone said, ” Another Bengazi”

    This won’t be resolved until after the election.

    If I were Mr. Zinke I would want this to be addressed right away.

    Oh but I forgot his attorney was sick.

    Will people take a chance and vote for him and then find out he was guilty of running someone on LEADS for his own personal agenda.

    I know it is only an allegation but I don’t think I want to take a chance.

    Bill Prim has all the qualifications so I will vote for Mr. Prim
    Andy Zinke is less qualified anyway.

  90. Interesting.

    According to the the Rockford Federal Court website, Mr. Hanlon filed this lawsuit on Friday, March 7, 2014.

    By “coincidence”, Cal Skinner received and posted a copy of this lawsuit on his website that same day.

    Wonder how Cal got a copy of the lawsuit so quickly?

    So, why does the leading Anti-Nygren political blogger and former Hanlon client get this lawsuit on the day it was filed in Rockford by Mr. Hanlon?

    Because that is where all lawyers send copies of their newly filed lawsuits, to Cal Skinner?

    Did Mr. Hanlon even bother to send his 78 year old legal server with a bad hip to serve the new federal lawsuit to Andrew Zinke on March 7?

    Or, is serving the federal lawsuit by Cal’s Anti-Nygren political blog sufficient? LOL.

    Just a desperate political stunt by the Regime RINOs who fear Andrew Zinke.

    Is the Regime afraid that Andrew will not be a contestant on “Let’s Make a Deal” or “The Price is Right”.

    The Regime can hear the Fat Lady warming up for Bill Prim’s Swan Song on March 18.

    And, I suspect they will become increasingly outrageous as that day nears.

  91. Interesting questions regarding the timing, etc.

    “McHenry Voter” now interjects that Zinke would/should have addressed this immediately but “his attorney was sick”

    Funniest thing, that.

    The only one who mentions a sick attorney is another one of Zinke’s detractors who – if Zinke jumped on a pit bull to save a six year old from a mauling – would ignore the rescue in favor of screaming that Zinke is a abuser of animals.

    No, I suspect that this complaint will be dismissed before the first court date.

    In my opinion this is nothing but a scurrilous smear that will go nowhere other than to defame a candidate.

    Neither Prim nor Zinke have actively stooped to gutter political rhetoric themselves.

    It seems that both sides have a few wing nuts loose that are doing an admirable job of that.

    So long as we’re asking questions, here’s one that’s bothered me from the onset.

    Early on, one of the Zinke supporters (presumably) attacked Prim by attempting to link him with the well-publicized scandal at Des Plaines PD.

    To refresh your memories, this involved over $100,000 in overtime from a traffic grant for DUI enforcement that resulted in next to zero arrests and, apparently, overtime that was never earned because the officers didn’t actually do the work.

    Detractors attempted to blame this on Prim who, in his defense, said that he was not involved with the grant mess, didn’t apply for it and did not administer it.

    It wasn’t his job, not his responsibility… he was in command of the patrol division at the time, not grants.

    Hello?

    I doubt that clerical staff and detectives or command officers were out working overtime for DUI enforcement.

    So, how is that Prim is ignorant of what the men/women under his command are doing with regard to the DUI hirebacks?

    I can’t speak to what he knew or should have known with regard to the excessive force allegations made against some in the department and what actions he did or did not take, but this deal with the DUI thing sounds an awful lot like Sgt Schultz… “I know nothing!”

    So maybe we can talk about that a bit, okay?

    OTOH, if you don’t want to talk about that, I guess we understand… after all it’s only an accussation that’s been floating around for a year or two or three and was actually investigated and charges brought.

    Nothing nearly so concrete as this complaint filed by a politically involved attorney on behalf of a 78 year old woman with a bad hip

  92. That is old news and unfounded. You just want to get people thinking of other things.

    I don’t care how Cal got the lawsuit.

    Thank goodness, although it is an allegation, the people still have to think about it. I wouldn’t take a chance on voting for him and others feel the same way.

    I also don’t think the lawsuit will be dropped though Zinke supporters would love that.

    On March 18 all you Zinke people can come and celebrate with the Prim supporters as you won’t have anything else to do that night.

  93. “Information and belief” is lawyer speak for , “I don’t know if he did or didn’t,” but I’m going to throw this on the wall and see what sticks and uninformed people conceive .

    There is not one ioda of evidence that Andy did anything wrong.

    Not one shred of evidence he ran the plate.

    This is all the lawyer double talk, skirting the truth by inferring wronging without saying so.

    I contend Zinke would have been well within his lawful authority had he done as inferred.

    Again remember they don’t say he did , they say “upon information and belief.”

    A process server must upon demand, identify themselves and provide their authority to lawfully serve the civil process.

    You either are court appointed, or work for a PI and thereby must have PERC (Professional Regulation Card) card and photo identification showing under whose authority you are working.

    By not doing so (her actions) constituted a breach of the peace and any citizen calling the police reporting such would result in the license plate being queried.

    Again I bet this was spoon fed to Cal.

    I suspect Cal had HIS copy ready to go as soon as Hanlon’s call said it was ready to roll.

    Timing is everything.

    Cal will not reprint any allegations against Prim and his volumes of misconduct at DesPlaines.

    Abuse charges, overtime abuses with grants, BUT nothing from Cal because it will dirty his guy,

    Why don’t we just call this the “Bill Prim Daily Blog”

  94. Notawannabe… wake up.

    It’s a subpoena, not a summons, etc.

    ANYONE of legal age and not a party to the action can serve the subpoena in a civil case AFAIK.

    Don’t get lost in the bulls**t flying here.

    It’s not about what she was doing at the time, it’s not about what Zinke was doing at the time or how he was dressed.

    It’s about Zinke ALLEGEDLY running her license plate without a permitted purpose.

    Nowhere in that complaint does it state how, when or why he ran it, who he gave the information to or anything else.

    It tells us who the players are and what the law is and that’s it.

    I’m not saying that Zinke DIDN’T do it, but nothing there substantiates Hanlon’s claim that he did.

    Read the DPPA, which he cites, in its entirety.

    If there was a confrontation of some sort between Zinke and this woman at his home, perhaps, just perhaps, there was something said or done by her that could lead to either a criminal or civil complaint against her.

    If that’s the case, I think you’ll find that Zinke or just about anyone else could have legally obtained that license information in order to proceed with the filing of charges or a lawsuit.

  95. “Teacher 155” = The fat lady that sings = The Regime.

    Hey, where is your buddy “Fukoku?” Why don’t you just go join “Fukoku” and Company in that famous Cuckoos nest?

    Oh sorry, you need to spend your time defending the Nygren and Zinke Circus.

    After all, the more people defending them, rationalizing and justifying their behavior, the more of a defense, or more like an excuse, they have?

    “NOT”

    Andrew Zinke does not have to worry about whether or not he will be a contestant on “Let’s Make a Deal” or “The Price is Right”

    He has been watching those TV shows for a long time and knows exactly how the games are played.

    In fact, there is a special bowl in Judge Gordon Grahams Chambers reserved for Andy’s popcorn with extra butter..

    Hey, Andy, cut back on the butter, you are looking mighty fat and happy.

    No wonder, there is limited room in their for new participants.

    Between Keith Nygren and Andy Zinke there is very little seating left.

    Also, there is a cabinet in that famous TV room that is locked.

    That is where they keep those special popcorn bowls for Bob and Tamara Demodica….

    Believe me, they love popcorn with extra butter……

  96. Forgot to ask…

    What is the name of the case that Zinke was being subponaed in?

    Who is suing who in that case?

  97. The “damage control” folks for Zinke do a good job here and other blogs.

    They also did the same for big Keith.

    I was just wondering if they get together or act independently.

    It is obvious that they think really hard about each problem before coming up with a possible solution.

    Of course, there is nothing wrong with that.

    That is their job to defend their candidate.

    I just want them to know that we are all aware of this.

    They are not really fooling anyone.

    As for their guy, I actually personally like Andy.

    I am just so disappointed in everything that has occurred.

    He has convinced himself that a few disgruntled folks are against him that he lost sight of the reality of his department.

    That is sad.

    Not to compare Andy to horrific dictators but when workers are afraid to tell the truth, they will tell you that all is well.

    I am not saying that Bill Prim is the answer but I would say to him that if elected and he is not fiscally responsible, fills his department with his cronies and is not transparent in his duties as Sheriff then he can go where the sun doesn’t shine also.

    If you want unimaginable waste, cronyism and secrets, then keep the status quo.

    It’s all up us, the voters.

  98. Please send my regards to Officer Dean Lisi…

    He likes popcorn with lots of butter also..

    Don’t get to confident officer, the games are not over with…lol….

    Interesting group of Facebook friends you have….

    Do they like popcorn also? Just asking…

  99. Not as smart as you all thought you were, are you now?

    Just love it, when justice prevails…..

    And, you thought the people of McHenry County would continue to accept the shenanigans of the Regime…..

    Time to take back McHenry County Government March 18, 2014, by voting for Bill Prim.

  100. Enough already!

    You all have beaten the horse to death……

    Move on to another issue!

  101. AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

    THE FAT LADY HAS SUNG AND SHE’S VOTING FOR BILL PRIM ON MARCH 18th

  102. It is now up to the people of McHenry County..

    Hopefully, they will choose to bring down the Regime by casting their vote for Bill Prim.

    The Power of the Vote: The people have the ultimate power to change our local Government.

    By electing Bill Prim we can overthrow the Regime, and promote a Government in McHenry County, that actually works for the people by the people. Where the people will benefit from honest Government, and those in control will no longer benefit from those famous TV shows “Let’s Make a Deal” because “The Price is Right” Many of us have searched for a solution to corruption in McHenry County for a long time…

    What all of us have to realize is that the answer is right in front of us..

    We as citizens are protected by the US Constitution and have been afforded the privilege to change and reshape the way our local Government does business by voting for those candidates that will no longer accept business as usual..

    Bill Prim March 18, 2014

  103. Actually, I ran the indictment of one of the other commanders at the Des Plaines Police Department accused of violating Federal law on a grant.

    Bill Prim was not involved.

  104. If you read the Northwest Herald, you will see that Zinke was scared because the server wore all black and was “scary looking”.

    He claims a threat with the papers and that they were thrown at his feet so he did ran out and got the plate number to find out who she was.

    With Zinke’s version she said nothing and had left before he went out to her car.

    How is it that she threatened him?

    She said nothing according to Zinke!

    So, if you take Zinke at his word, that he was threatened, why didn’t he arrest her?

    All of you people defending this Zinke guy look foolish when he admits that he wanted to find out who she was and got her plate number.

    It sounds like Zinke is making the case for the plaintiff.

  105. The law says the appropriate place to serve someone is at thier residence.

    Serving at work is prohibited.

    Its not an attack on his family!

    The NWH commenters say following the law is a personal attack, its just not an attack on his family.

  106. The LEADS records at the Illinois State Police are kept for the past three years.

    The good folks at the ISP can determine the source of a LEADS inquiry.

    Did Zinke run the inquiry himself?

    Or, knowing it’s a felony to do so, did he request/direct a subordinate to run it?

    This is NOT a minor deal. If he illegally ran the plate (or caused it to be run) that was a gross error in judgement and a crime – a felony.

  107. As it turns out, the 78 year old woman was not the server, it was her friend.

    So Zinke wasnt afraid of a 78 year old plaintiff, he was afraid of a scary looking woman friend of a 78 year old lady.

    OOOOOOOOh the Plot thickens!

    Word is the serer was all of 95 pounds and five foot four!

    But her coat was Black!

  108. It is so offensive that Zinke said the woman serving the summons was scary looking and dressed all in black.

    I know her personally.

    She has served on the Woodstock Fine Arts Association Board for several years, has been a longtime member of the Woodstock Garden Club, is gracious and a lovely dresser.

    Most women occasionally wear black and many of us have black coats – it doesn’t make us scary!

    It is surprising Zinke did not describe her as a ‘witch’ because that is what his language implied.

    How dare he act like he was threatened and needed to run her plates?

    I most certainly will not be voting for Zinke.

    Prim is looking better all the time and will get my vote.

  109. Well, Concerned Voter, is Mrs. Matterness even more scary when she’s not even there?

    Or was she and now backing out due to the furor?

    Have you read: http://www.nwherald.com/2014/03/12/woman-named-in-lawsuit-never-served-zinke-with-subpoena/alk0s8c/

    Or is it just as many suspected, a cheap stunt manufactured by a slimeball attorney and his running mates.

    I’d hate to think that the other candidate had a hand in this but you now have to wonder.

    Let’s see if this continues to play out as predicted.

    If it turns out to be bullsh*t, let’s hope that Hanlon can turn his position as a precinct committeeman into a money maker (assuming there are enough dullards out there to vote him in) since he should lose his license to practice if her pulled off a fraud on the court.

    Anyone looking to see just what kind of a “man” Hanlon is, should read a court case filed here in McHenry County where he’s accusing another attorney of a battery IN THE COURTROOM.

    Read it and draw your own conclusions as to the stability and veracity of this “man.”

    It’s 14 LA 16 and was filed a day or two after he had Zinke served.

    Related, I think, to the case at hand.

    The guy is, IMHO, a moron.

  110. I read the complaint.

    Where does it say plaintiff served anyone?

    It doesn’t it says after Zinke was served he ran the plate.

    There is no fraud on the court!

    You sound like a little kid “truthful’.

    Zinke has admitted the claims in the suit.

    He was served and he ran the plate.

    You say that makes the lawyer a slime-ball, I think it proves the case.

    Read the filed complaint and tell us where anything was said about the plaintiff serving Andy.

    Does it matter who served the subpoena?

    Did anyone find out what Zinke testified to in his deposition?

  111. @Concerned – “Does it matter who served the subpoena?”

    But EARLIER then at 3:43 today you say, “It is so offensive that Zinke said the woman serving the summons was scary looking and dressed all in black. I know her personally…”

    Apparently you don’t because Sondra wasn’t there!!!!! LOL

    You don’t know anyone who had ANYTHING to do with it and are trying to sling as much mud as possible.

  112. Remember what the Teacher wrote on March 8, 2014. Where is voter and company now. Pathetic.

    “Interesting. Closely re-reading the written lawsuit, Mr. Hanlon does not mention who actually served the subpoena. He goes into great detail about how it was served, but fails to identify who served the subpoena. Nor does Mr. Hanlon make any specific reference to Sondra Matterness being present during the incident. Mr. Hanlon only references the Plaintiff’s automobile being there, but never the Plaintiff Sondra Matterness being there.

    So, was Sondra Matterness there?

    Was she a duly appointed process server or private detective?

    Did the 78 year old woman with the bad hip actually serve the subpoena?

    Or was someone else borrowing her car?

    Or did she drive someone else there?

    Mr. Hanlon provides great detail of Mr. Zinke’s actions, but goes to great length to avoid mention of who actually served the subpoena.

    Mr. Hanlon seems to imply that Sondra Matterness served the subpoena.

    But never states such.

    So, did someone else serve the subpoena.

    Someone hostile and offensive to Mr. Zinke?

    Someone who refused to provide lawful credentials or identify themselves?

    Did some Regime thug try to intimidate Mr. Zinke while serving him at home?

    If so, Mr. Zinke would have viable cause to check the license plates to confirm the person’s identity & if the person was licensed to serve court paperwork.

    Falsely serving subpoenas is a crime.

    Mr. Zinke may have had just cause to believe that the unidentified server was illegitimate and committing a crime.

    So, was Sondra Matterness even present?

    And who served the subpoena?

    Inquiring minds want to know?

  113. And what did voter respond to the Teacher on March 8.

    “Your name may be Teacher 155 but it is apparent you are not a teacher or an attorney. There is more to it than looking up a website. If I would have to explain everything to you I would have to charge you.

    This blog is about Zinke being served so lets not bring up other subjects.”

    AND

    “Here is a hint. The plaintiff is Sondra Matterness and yes she is qualified to serve. The only way she would be disqualified was if it were a foreign writt or an i.d.v.a

    Do I now have to explain what that means? Now where do I send the bill.”

    SO VOTER, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY NOW? GO AHEAD, ADMIT THAT THE TEACHER SCHOOLED YOUR REAR-END. CLASS DISMISSED.

    PS. DO I GET A REFUND OF YOUR FEES? IF YOU ARE A LAWYER, YOU MUST BE A PENNILESS LAWYER. LOL.

  114. OK Teacher try reading it one more time – slowly.

    ne count – that’s it – “unlawfully obtaining….personal information…”

    The accused A. Zinke.

    The plaintiff S. Matterness.

  115. C U There. You and Team Prim are full of dung.

    A bunch of liars.

    A political setup.

    Nothing more.

    Of course, Zinke had viable cause to run the plates.

    it is entirely lawful for police officers investigating suspicious activity to check license plates.

    A strange woman shows up at a police officer’s home after dark.

    Acts in a bizarre & strange manner.

    Refuses to identify herself or her purpose.

    Then throws an envelope at the police officer’s feet.

    Of course that police officer has a lawful right to investigate and check her license plates.

    Wonder what the federal judge will think of this abuse.

    How much you want to bet that Mr. Hanlon dismisses this lawsuit after March 18 before the federal judge throws it out?

    And, when this lawsuit is dismissed, I will be there to gloat again.

  116. I find it hilarious all the morons who were whining the NW Herald didn’t rush to print with an article on this hit piece.

    Well in being responsible they actually checked the facts and (gasp) they actually called the lady to find out some facts.

    Hmmmm…she wasn’t even in the state, didn’t seem to know all the facts and seems to claims to have been misled about the potential of this case becoming public.

    Only thing that makes one wonder more than the new turn of events is the speed Prim had a press release ready.

  117. The press release came the day after I posted a copy of the suit.

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