Complaint filed against Cook County judge

Complaint filed against Cook County judge


Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board accuses Douglas Simpson of attempting to influence case involving an acquaintance
By Cynthia Dizikes, Tribune reporter


9:40 p.m. CST, February 18, 2011

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-judge-misconduct-20110218,0,7628756.story


The Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board filed a complaint Friday against a Cook County judge that alleges he tried to influence a court case involving a businessman he knew.

Associate Judge Douglas J. Simpson, who was appointed to the bench in 2005, could face a reprimand, suspension or dismissal.

According to the complaint, Simpson improperly interfered with the court case last Sept. 23 when he interrupted the judge handling the case to tell him that the businessman was a "good guy."

The judge stood up, prompting Simpson to say he wasn't asking him to do "anything improper," the complaint said. Simpson later apologized, said he "regretted" his actions and asked the undisclosed judge to disregard their conversation.

Simpson then tried to talk the judge out of going to court officials, the complaint alleged.

The board accused Simpson of conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.

Simpson's attorney, William Harte, acknowledged Friday that his client had "made a mistake." But Harte said disciplinary action was unnecessary, pointing out that Simpson tried to correct his actions almost immediately.

"As soon as he discovered what he had done, he got back to the judge and said, 'Just forget about my meeting with you,'" Harte said. "He realized that he had done something that was not appropriate, and he sought to end it there."

cdizikes@tribune.com
 
Editor's note:  Your ProbateShark sees this incestuous relationship between Judges, GALs and health care providing companies occuring on a daily basis on the 18th Floor.  Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com