His name is mud.
Oh, he's really stepped into it. Seems there are a lot of pro-mil people in the Illinois Government. If he gets a Felony misdemeanor out of this, he is subject to disbarment. He'll play hell being a Lawyer in Illinois from now on. Here is an update from Blackfive.
................Update 12-31-07 2000 CST: A Blackfive reader sends this update about the hearing today...
Attn: Black Five
I am writing to produce an update of the results of Sgt McNulty's case against Jay R Grodner. I was present in support of Mike and thought you may be interested in an update for this story.
Sgt McNulty was called forward by the State's Attorney in order to discuss the case. I am not sure what transpired behind the closed doors, however, I overheard the State's Attorney expressing her intent to prosecute this guy to the fullest extent. It seems as if BlackFive is the sole catalyst to this story getting out and I am sure Sgt McNulty has probably heard the effect of yours and other blogs from the results of today's proceedings to include several Marines and civilians who showed up in his support.
Jay R Grodner was called before court and in his absence, the Judge issued a warrant for his arrest effective immediately. Sgt McNulty was departing the court when Grodner rolled in to the courtroom more pathetic than anyone I had ever seen. The Judge had questioned him on his tardiness and he explained that traffic had been busy and he 'made a wrong turn'. The Judge chastised him for his tardiness, pathetic excuses, and that he was lucky the warrant had not been executed prior to his arrival.
It seems the blogosphere has put the ball in Sgt McNulty's court. Furthermore, it is also apparent that the State's Attorney's Office has decided to take this matter on a much more serious level. A new and very aggressive State's Attorney seems to have a genuine interest in pursuing this case to the extent that it warrants.
A lot of good people deserve our thanks today. Thousands responded with emails and phone calls and some even went to support Mike at the hearing. Thank you. I've said it before and I'll say it again - Blackfive and military blogs has the best readers on the planet - we really are a true community.
And, long time regular TB, sends this link to a Free Republic reader who also attended the hearing and provides a report.
United States Marine Sgt. McNulty's car was keyed by Attorney Jay R Grodner on 12/01/07.
The Sgt.'s leave is over on January 2nd when he reports to Camp Pendleton before heading to Iraq for his 2nd deployment.
The hearing was scheduled for 12/31/07 @ 13:30. It was held at Circuit Court of Cook County - outlying court branch 29 -Belmont & Western, Chicago IL. This is 6 miles NW of downtown Chicago and approx 65 miles round trip from where I live.
Sgt. McNulty was in civvies. He was there with family & friends and his attorney.
There also appeared to be a couple of supporters sitting in the gallery.
I sat in the last row. With my eyesight & hearing shot, the following is the best I can make out.
The court is secured by the Cook County Sheriff's office The judge ( I didn't hear his name or see his nameplate) convened the court early - at 13:24. (Courtroom 29 - I believe it was Felony court)
Sgt. McNulty was called at 13:33. Jay R. Grodner was a no show. The judge issued a bench warrant for Mr. Grodner @ 13:36.
Sgt. McNulty filed the complaint and raised his hand and swore that it was true.
I thought that was the end of it, so I got up to leave and waited in the waiting area for the Sgt. to come out.
A Marine PFC, in dress blues, cut & razor sharp, walked in to lend his support.
Sgt. McNulty and his entourage came out, then was called back into the courtroom for about 10 minutes.
He came back out to leave. I met them outside. I gave Sgt. McNulty FRegards and a Semper Fi and told him we have his back and that thousands have his back.
He thanked us for the support.
Jay Grodner (or a representative) must have showed up, as, when I talked with the Sgt.'s attorney, he said Grodner wanted a continuance to get an attorney.
The case was continued and will go to fruition and Sgt. McNulty wont have to re-appear.
Based on the somber mood of the situation, I decided not to take pictures.
If anybody else was there, maybe they can fill in more blanks.
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