Not Guilty Plea
- Richard "RJ" Vanecko entered a not-guilty plea Monday to an involuntary manslaughter charge in connection with the 2004 death of David Koschman.
The namesake of two mayors named Daley, Vanecko returned from his home in California to Chicago this weekend for his first courtroom appearance in the case. Police released his booking photo Saturday night.
The judge assigned to the case was Arthur Hill, Jr. also has a Daley connection. He's a former prosecutor and high-level supervisor under Richard M. Daley in the state's attorney's office.
Judge Hill went on record disclosing his numerous connections with the former mayor, who promoted Hill multiple times. Daley also appointed Hill to the CTA board, and Hill disclosed that while he was an attorney in private practice, he worked on municipal bond transactions for the city.
But don't worry, we're sure this can be handled 100% fairly and without bias.
Labels: scandals
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
67 Comments:
This case should have been transferred to a collar county such as Kane County for a fair unbiased trial.
but hey, "justice is blind"
Step 2 - the judge.....I wonder what step 3 will be. Lets not kid ourselves. This whole thing is a mockery . This jag off will walk scot free. He'll he can also buy the best attorneys with the fortune they all stole from pensions, TIF , college funds.
This case calls for a judge from downstate Illinois not a lapdog from Cook County!
I wonder if Webb has subpeoned the Blackberry messages of the exempts that were involved in this investigation back in 2004. He needs to have a forensic computer investigator digging into the Blackberry messages and CLEAR/CHRIS!
The nerve of this judge. He's basically daring the special prosecutor to susbstitute him. Ive seen judges recuse themselves from cases for things as minor as waiting in the same line to get a coffee with the defense attorney of a case(sarcasm), but you get the point.
This guy has hack written all over him.
Hmm and guess whos taking a bench trial?
The fix is in.
I don't think this case stands a chance unless it's moved to southern Illinois.
Well, the real question is can you find any judge in cook county or the state supreme court who doesn't owe their entire existence to Daley and Madigan?
The best the Daley money could buy! Strike that the parking deal profits could buy! Hey judge it's time to repay that favor.
Motion to fix?
Crook County. Sure bench trial then a NG verdict. Just end it now and save tax dollars so she can start the wrongful death lawsuit and get paid.
Judge Hill is a good man. Sit back and watch then comment.
Why don't they just have Daley himself sit on the bench ?
Only in chicago.
Does Judge Hill have a nervous tic?
He kept winking at Vanecko the entire time!
Blackberry's are the key. When they first were issued every exempt spent his day typing away!
Forensic expert is necessary.
Same Old Shit.
Speaking of cover-ups:
Reportedly, the scandal involving the hazing of a freshman Prosser football player in October, 2011 wasn't the first hazing at Prosser. The first hazing took place in August, 2011 and it was swept under the rug until this past summer. This was the real reason Prosser Principal Kenneth Leon Hunter was suspended for 60 days without pay by CPS because they found the hazings were a repeat offense.
Look for some news about this in the media in the upcoming weeks, especially with a former Prosser coach (fired by Hunter for another incident) verifying the 1st hazing and the cover-up.
Move the trial to southern Illinois. EVERY judge within 100 miles is indebted somehow to the royal family...
Only in Chicago and Daley justice, First Detectives investigate only what is approved from Chain of Command and then what is investigated and placed in felony file folders and the felony file is lost, and this was a heater case ,but Daley justice prevails. Remember the TV show Chicago code ,pretty good example of only in Chicago.
Its almost like Al Capone trial.....everybody in the ledger!!!
Hey, I gots to discloze dat I got made by Richie and den I gots to let dis kid off da hook wit some legal jargon. Yuze see what I'm sayn? It's all on da up an up, kid.
Shrug. This is going to be so completely under the microscope I'm not too worried.
In fact, among lawyers, you sometimes worry about a judge who's perceived as being on your side bending over backwards to show he's not, which can work to your disadvantage.
" At this time your honor, the defense would like to enter a motion to fix ".
" Granted...let the record reflect that the proceedings of this court are legit and on the up & up "...Hey R.J., how's your uncle doing?
After so much time, witnesses disappear or their memories fade, lost files, the fifth amendment and a randomly picked 40 year associate of Shanks, a felony conviction seems impossible. However, with a fresh "code of silence" verdict, the sharks are cirlceing in the freshly bloodied water for a bite at the inevitable civil suit. Get ready tax payers for another multi million dollar payout. Daley, the gift that keeps on giving.
Yes, a change of venue is called for, no, demanded !!
daley never promotes, or gives anyone a high power job without owning him/her heart & soul. This is starting to smell really $hitty again !
Even Ray Charles can see through this shit! This whole trial needs to be moved out of the county- there is no courtroom here that would be able to ensure an absolute fair and unbiased proceeding. And that Vanecko looks like a big bald thug in a suit- Koschman's parents are soft if they don't pursue this case against him and all the cronies who helped cover it up.
This case should have never been charged.
One of Vaneco's drinking buddies is a young woman with the maiden name of 'Higgins'. Could she be a relative of a retired county judge also named Higgins?
" Anonymous said...
The nerve of this judge. He's basically daring the special prosecutor to susbstitute him. Ive seen judges recuse themselves from cases for things as minor as waiting in the same line to get a coffee with the defense attorney of a case(sarcasm), but you get the point.
This guy has hack written all over him."'
Judge Hill is far from a political hack. He is very fair, impartial, and smart Judge. Know what you are talking about about before you spout an uniformed opinion. Judge Hill did the right thing. He disclosed his connection to defendant's uncle, and gave the parties time to file a Motion for Sustitution of Judge. Recusal was not necessary. "Daring the SP to substitute him" is a silly statement. How many judges have you REALLY seen recuse themselves? In 23 years in Cook County courts, I've seen it 4 times.
"Anonymous said...
I don't think this case stands a chance unless it's moved to southern Illinois.
12/11/2012 02:30:00 AM
It has little chance anywhere because of little convincing evidence.
Not guilty, my ass!!!!!
Well, the real question is can you find any judge in cook county or the state supreme court who doesn't owe their entire existence to Daley and Madigan?
=============
I don't see any way you find an impartial judge in Cook County. You won't find any ASAs that don't have deep ties to the Daley machine either.
I suspect this gets settled quickly with some kind of plea that involves no time.
The cops involved though are in a much stickier situation. Anyone above Sgt is likely safe.
Conflict of Interest. Case should be tried outside of CROOK County. Any other way equals corruption
Yeah, riiiiiiigggghhhhtttt! The Shit-cago way rears it's ugly head again!!!! Wink-wink. Need change of venue here to offer some chance at an unbiased trial.
From a troll: Previously I wondered who the judge would be. Now we know and the beat goes on. Another Daley protege assigned to the case. Oh by the way, the Chief Judge of the Circuit assigns the cases. And who is that? Oh yes, another Daley protege isn't he. This is like Dukes of Hazzard.
The Judge Passerella fixed case is nothing compared to this FIXED Mother Fuckin Case. OJ stood a better chance of being convicted even with his STUPID HATING JURY THAN this CLOWN VANECKO with A BENCH TRIAL in Cook County. That is why a bench trial. Cook County States Atty will give their usual half-ass effort. Probably because they are that stupid. Dets will perjure themselves on stand. Judge-who used to work for or owes Shortshanks-will acquit the FOOL. Save the taxpayers the cost of this trial now and acquit asshole. He said he's not guilty now move along. We have to build Aunt Maggie's Huge Park on lakefront!
You guys all stand together when someone is hurt, but as soon as you think someone is going to get more than you, you throw each other under the bus! What brotherhood you have there. You should be ashamed!
Imagine if we lived in a real City/County/State/Country....
This is beyond madness.
This whole trial needs to moved to a different County to even BEGIN to have some legitimacy!!!
Oh no according to sneed looks like "fat Sam" roti who was promoted to commander on daleys detail and retired on a huge commanders pension is being brought in Sammy don't lie you only took orders from the king of crime richie!
Does an Associate Judge ever have to run for retention ?
As a punishment make him walk the mag mile with an I-phone glued to his hand and a t-shirt that says "Hi I'm from Iowa."
"...You won't find any ASAs that don't have deep ties to the Daley machine either...."
How the fuck do you pretend to know that? Most ASAs in the office were hired long after Daley left the SAO. (Remember Jack O'Malley?) Plenty of ASAs live outside Chicago and have NOTHING to do with Daley or his machine.
It's easy to throw out generalities when you know crap about what you're saying. (However, I won't be on the prosecution team for Vanecko)
This case should have never been charged.
12/11/2012 10:31:00 AM
Wrong. Vanecko swung for the fences and killed a much smaller person, both in height and weight. He is a bully and a coward and he should answer for his actions. Justice for David Koschman!
If Howard Brookins was elected Staes Attorney the county would have a honest,trustworthy,crimefighter to stand up for the people of Cook County.
Anonymous said...
The nerve of this judge. He's basically daring the special prosecutor to susbstitute him. Ive seen judges recuse themselves from cases for things as minor as waiting in the same line to get a coffee with the defense attorney of a case(sarcasm), but you get the point.
This guy has hack written all over him."'
Judge Hill is far from a political hack. He is very fair, impartial, and smart Judge. Know what you are talking about about before you spout an uniformed opinion. Judge Hill did the right thing. He disclosed his connection to defendant's uncle, and gave the parties time to file a Motion for Sustitution of Judge. Recusal was not necessary. "Daring the SP to substitute him" is a silly statement. How many judges have you REALLY seen recuse themselves? In 23 years in Cook County courts, I've seen it 4 times.
12/11/2012 11:32:00 AM
In 16 years of going to court I've seen it over ten times! I've seen it in traffic court mostly and 26th and Cal. In all the cases the judges disclosed their connection and did the proper thing, they recused themselves. Hill owes his career to Daley, you see anything wrong?
Vanecko's body language did not appear the least self-assured when he walked into courthouse. You would think, if he knew the fix was in, he would've looked a little more cocky
Eight years ago none of the witnesses identify the suspect in a line up. Now, Vanecko gets charged. So how was he identified? Did the witnesses have an epiphany and suddenly remember? No, I don't think so...that wouldn't fly. So the only way is that they now say they DID identify Vanecko eight years ago. That would mean the detectives running the line up lied as well as Vanecko's lawyer who was present. Well, if so, why didn't the witnesses scream and yell back then? Why did it take eight years for them to get religion? I think it's more likely they couldn't stand looking in the sorrowful eyes of the victim's mother knowing they couldn't remember and help her get closure. Their guilt overwhelms them. They would rather throw good police officer's lives in the toilet then face that poor mother. Calling coppers 'liars' is the only way to secure a conviction. What a friggin' pity.
Interesting attorneys on the case and in the top five of criminal attorneys in Chicago.Tom Breen,Terry Gillespie and Marc Martin.Big Money!!
Anonymous said...
"Judge Hill is a good man. Sit back and watch then comment."
Sure, when it's too late.
is sam the man rotie going to talk you bet today he is talking to MR WEB to bad sam never made and arrest never sat in the hot seat poor sam
is sam the man rotie going to talk you bet today he is talking to MR WEB to bad sam never made and arrest never sat in the hot seat poor sam
12/12/2012 03:58:00 AM
Sam Roti is a cocky, arrogant, miserable excuse for a human being. I hope he lies and is then prosecuted. Oh Sam, say buh-bye to that bloated, underserved pension.
Guy looks like the baliff from night court.
Anonymous said...
Well, the real question is can you find any judge in cook county or the state supreme court who doesn't owe their entire existence to Daley and Madigan?
12/11/2012 04:25:00 AM
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Smoke and mirrors trial,he will be found not guilty.
If Howard Brookins was elected Staes Attorney the county would have a honest,trustworthy,crimefighter to stand up for the people of Cook County.
12/11/2012 06:21:00 PM
I hope you were being sarcastic because, if not, you are goofy.
Anonymous said...
Eight years ago none of the witnesses identify the suspect in a line up. Now, Vanecko gets charged. So how was he identified? Did the witnesses have an epiphany and suddenly remember? No, I don't think so...that wouldn't fly. So the only way is that they now say they DID identify Vanecko eight years ago. That would mean the detectives running the line up lied as well as Vanecko's lawyer who was present. Well, if so, why didn't the witnesses scream and yell back then? Why did it take eight years for them to get religion? I think it's more likely they couldn't stand looking in the sorrowful eyes of the victim's mother knowing they couldn't remember and help her get closure. Their guilt overwhelms them. They would rather throw good police officer's lives in the toilet then face that poor mother. Calling coppers 'liars' is the only way to secure a conviction. What a friggin' pity.
12/11/2012 08:04:00
You give new meaning to the word " assume" as in an ass. I have personally been involved in two criminal cases in which the detectives lied and manipulated the line up to produce the results they wanted. It became evident during trial. They are lucky that no one ever filed a complaint against them, but then again, who would listen or care ? The witnesses who viwed the lineup told a story of detective pressures. i guess they were lying also. If you dont think these things go on you are a damned fool and your logic flys in the face of stories that have surfaced from around the country. Line-ups are just plain bad whether they " identify the guilty" or absolve someone.
It has little chance anywhere because of little convincing evidence.
12/11/2012 11:34:00 AM
Well, the special grand jury does not agree with you. And, yes you can argue that you can get anyone indicted and normally I would agree with you. But, in this case, I just do not think Webb is going to damage his reputation and would not have sought an indictment if some evidence was present. Wait for the report to be made public. The only people who think this entire matter does not stink are the detectives from the area. Keep dreaming !!
You give new meaning to the word " assume" as in an ass. I have personally been involved in two criminal cases in which the detectives lied and manipulated the line up to produce the results they wanted. It became evident during trial. They are lucky that no one ever filed a complaint against them, but then again, who would listen or care ? The witnesses who viwed the lineup told a story of detective pressures. i guess they were lying also. If you dont think these things go on you are a damned fool and your logic flys in the face of stories that have surfaced from around the country. Line-ups are just plain bad whether they " identify the guilty" or absolve someone.
12/15/2012 02:29:00 PM
So, if we can't believe in line-ups, how do we get a positive ID? And if you were involved in cases where there was illegal activity by the dicks, why didn't you do something? You are just as guilty then. Do the words "code of silence" mean anything to you? You're part of it, chum, by your own admission. And because it happened in your cases, is that proof it happened in this one? No. Now who is the "ass" for assuming?
So, if we can't believe in line-ups, how do we get a positive ID? And if you were involved in cases where there was illegal activity by the dicks, why didn't you do something? You are just as guilty then. Do the words "code of silence" mean anything to you? You're part of it, chum, by your own admission. And because it happened in your cases, is that proof it happened in this one? No. Now who is the "ass" for assuming?
12/16/2012 06:43:00 PM
I am retired from the job and I did not want to file a complaint against the detectives. But, what they did was wrong and their supervisors knew about it and did nothing.I was working as a PI for the defense.
So, if we can't believe in line-ups, how do we get a positive ID? And if you were involved in cases where there was illegal activity by the dicks, why didn't you do something? You are just as guilty then. Do the words "code of silence" mean anything to you? You're part of it, chum, by your own admission. And because it happened in your cases, is that proof it happened in this one? No. Now who is the "ass" for assuming?
12/16/2012 06:43:00
A line-up is just another tool for the detective, not a definitive statement on whether someone should be charged or not. And, yes, the CPD along with other departments have long been accused of using undue influence when conducting lineups and show ups. Nothing new here. It is well documented which led to changes in department orders, which are routinely ignored even today. Wake-up, the police are not always impartial or even handed in what they do.Just thank god you or one of your family does not become the focus of a criminal investigation and you meet one of these unethical detectives or prosecutors and dont say it cant happen because your kids are just so good.
am retired from the job and I did not want to file a complaint against the detectives. But, what they did was wrong and their supervisors knew about it and did nothing.I was working as a PI for the defense.
12/17/2012 09:28:00 AM
So back to my original question: Is it easier to believe that the witnesses, after a night of drinking (what was the victim's blood alcohol level?), were unable to remember what the offender looked like or that they did remember and the dicks lied and the witnesses sat back silent for years and let it happen? Or do they think an "I think maybe it was number 3" or "Number three kinda looks like the guy" or "He was big like number three" is a positive ID?
A line-up is just another tool for the detective, not a definitive statement on whether someone should be charged or not.
I never said it was a definitive statement on charging. But you will not get charges without a positive ID. How did it happen in this case? No ID back then, or a positive ID and the dicks lied? Oh, and then eight years before the witnesses become sufficiently outraged to complain.
I'll laugh when the Sun times goes too far and casues a mistrial.
Since when is everyone around here a Howard Brookins fan?
"...I was working as a PI for the defense..."
That means you are part of the problem. Go away.
Post a Comment
<< Home