Illinois high court halts defender's obstruction trial

JONESBORO, Ill. -- The Illinois Supreme Court is getting involved in the obstruction of justice case against Union County's public defender.

The high court postponed a hearing scheduled for Friday for Patrick Cox in Union County Circuit Court, where he faces charges of obstruction of justice, eavesdropping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, until justices can consider a motion in the case.

Cox, 52, is accused of soliciting a potential witness in a separate sexual assault case to secretly record the alleged victim "admitting" she had falsely accused the defendant, Cox's client. It is not clear if the recording was made or if it was, what might be on it.

Cox's lawyers have asked the Supreme Court to remove all judges in the 1st Judicial Circuit from hearing the obstruction of justice case since Cox is employed by the court, said defense attorney Richard White.

The high court put off Cox's hearing, scheduled for Judge Ronald Eckiss' courtroom, until it can consider the motion.

The special prosecutor assigned to the case, David Rands of the State Appellate Defender's Office, did not immediately return a telephone call from The Associated Press.

If convicted, Cox faces a maximum of 13 years in prison. His office referred reporters' questions to White.

The case is being watched by legal groups. Judge Michael Henshaw, the chief judge of the 1st Judicial Circuit, issued a search warrant in July that enabled police to examine Cox's office, where he keeps client files and other information that is subject to attorney-client protections.