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An attorney for Chester Morris said his illegal gambling case needs to get fast tracked because it's unfair to let Maple Park residents hang in limbo not knowing if their police chief is a crook or not.
But that is easier said than done.
Kane County Judge Donald Hudson said Thursday he wouldn't bump other cases, especially those involving defendants sitting in jail, for Morris, who is out on bond.
Morris is fighting charges of official misconduct and conspiracy to commit gambling involving a federal sting in May at D.J.s Tavern in Maple Park.
The court has to be extra cautious with Morris' case because state's attorney Meg Gorecki held campaign fund-raisers at D.J.s Tavern in Maple Park, where the alleged illegal gambling occurred.
The state's attorney's office already recused itself from working on the 15-month investigation and trial because of the perceived conflict.
Hudson's moving up Morris' case could give the appearance of inappropriate and favoritism from the bench.
"I would rather not have an speculation about that," Hudson said.
Officials expect it to be late next year at the earliest before a trial would begin for the 13 defendants, but as long as federal prosecutors agree and a free spot is found in the court room, Hudson said Morris could try his case separately and earlier. However, that won't be until February at the earliest.
An attorney for Chester Morris said his illegal gambling case needs to get fast tracked because it's unfair to let Maple Park residents hang in limbo not knowing if their police chief is a crook or not.
But that is easier said than done.
Kane County Judge Donald Hudson said Thursday he wouldn't bump other cases, especially those involving defendants sitting in jail, for Morris, who is out on bond.
Morris is fighting charges of official misconduct and conspiracy to commit gambling involving a federal sting in May at D.J.s Tavern in Maple Park.
The court has to be extra cautious with Morris' case because state's attorney Meg Gorecki held campaign fund-raisers at D.J.s Tavern in Maple Park, where the alleged illegal gambling occurred.
The state's attorney's office already recused itself from working on the 15-month investigation and trial because of the perceived conflict.
Hudson's moving up Morris' case could give the appearance of inappropriate and favoritism from the bench.
"I would rather not have an speculation about that," Hudson said.
Officials expect it to be late next year at the earliest before a trial would begin for the 13 defendants, but as long as federal prosecutors agree and a free spot is found in the court room, Hudson said Morris could try his case separately and earlier. However, that won't be until February at the earliest.
