Pantagraph.com Weather forecast, local radar and more
NewsFriday, October 12, 2007 8:22 PM CDT
Pelo defense argues against restraints in court
Advertisement

BLOOMINGTON -- Defense lawyer Michael Rosenblat challenged the police practice of bringing Sgt. Jeff Pelo into the courtroom in restraints during Friday’s court hearing on Pelo’s sexual assault charges.

“He’s been a police officer for 18 years. He’s not a flight risk. I’m not sure why he’s being treated differently than other defendants,” Rosenblat said.

Judge Robert Frietag said inmate security is the jurisdiction of Sheriff Mike Emery.

Chief Felony Prosecutor Mark Messman said he will discuss the issue with Emery and respond to any motion filed by Rosenblat to have Pelo’s restraints removed in court.

Emery said after the hearing that all inmates, including Pelo, are evaluated for potential security risks. The sheriff acknowledged that the high-profile nature of Pelo’s case and his knowledge of the McLean County Law and Justice Center may increase security concerns about the police officer.

The sheriff said he will consult with his court security staff and Chief Judge Elizabeth Robb on the Pelo matter.

Pelo will be back in court Nov. 19 for hearings on several pending motions, including a request by the Pantagraph for access to a videotape of testimony taken last month behind closed doors from a witness who may not be available for trial.

Video
Most commented stories
Browse online archives
Recent issues:
Reader comments on this story - 5 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

& wrote on Oct 13, 2007 3:39 PM:

" is he allowed to keep his shoes on???? does he wear a jail suit? if he did it, he better get used to felon treatment. "

GOOD JOB wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:45 AM:

" Sheriff Emery is a REAL Pro. This is just but one example of how his training, education and experience shine through to keep this community a safer place. "

I wish wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:38 AM:

" They would stop commenting about the Pelo case. I am sure it has to be hard for his family. I feel sorry for his daughter that has to live with this everyday "

I'd say... wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:18 AM:

" If an inmate (any one of them) is outside of the caged facility down lower int he building.... and the bring them up into the court levels; that's really much closer to being outside. There is more of a possibility (though not probable) that they could manages to squirt outside the door. Thus, when ANY inmate is brought up to court, I believe that they should be shackled and handcuffed. Any of them. Defense arguments that this makes them look more like a criminal.... You know, I think that everyone there already knows you brought them up from the JAIL, so yup, they're probaby a criminal. "

who is in charge? wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:02 AM:

" i thought court secuirty was sheriff emery's job, so why is he asking for court permission? guess he doesn't wear the pants. "

Add your own comments

Please read the rules before posting comments.

You must be logged in to leave comments.
If you don't have a member ID, please register.

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
  Forgot Your Password?