The details are over at Blackfive. Short version:
– Sgt. Mike McNulty, who is on activation orders to go to Camp Pendelton and then Iraq on January 2, went to visit a friend in Chicago on December 1.
– Chicago lawyer Jay R. Grodner decided to key McNulty’s car, causing $2,400 worth of damage ($2,100 more than what the standard is for felony criminal damage to property in Illinois), and proceeded to verbally assault McNulty.
– In the first court appearance, Grodner tried to get off with paying McNulty’s $100 deductible, with McNulty’s insurance taking the rest of the hit. Despite “encouragement” from the Illinois States Attorneys, McNulty said, “Nuts,” and tried to push for the felony charge
– The State, saying that it wouldn’t be worth it to try to pursue felony charges because Grodner was a lawyer, countered with an offer to put Grodner on probation. Grodner rejected that, knowing the clock is ticking.
The next hearing in this case is today. Matt will be updating us with the latest developments.
Revisions/extensions (9:17 pm 12/31/2007) – Matt reports that the State will now be prosecuting Grodner to the full extent of the law. May the bastich be found guilty.