Judge Throws Out Charges Against Bianchi

Charges against State's Attorney Louis Bianchi were thrown out today by a Winnebago County judge.

Judge Joseph McGraw acquitted Bianchi on two official misconduct charges—one involving his alleged involvement in dropping a disorderly conduct charge against a politically connected Crystal Lake physician, and another involving the reduction of a sentence for a 19-year-old for two separate incidents of dealing drugs near Crystal Lake Central High School.

The prosecution alleged Bianchi showed favoritism to Tom Salvi, defendant in the disorderly conduct case, based on his social connection to the Salvi family.

The also alleged that Bianchi influenced the length of a prison term for Jeremy Reid, who was charged with selling cocaine twice to an undercover police officer near Crystal Lake Central High School in 2010.

"This is a victory for all the other 101 state's attorneys of the state of Illinois who, on a daily basis, handle cases just as I do and for which I was indicted," Bianchi said.

Bianchi's attorney, Terry Ekl, said that he would meet with Bianchi within the next week to discuss legal options which may include lawsuits. He said they would also discuss the payment of legal expenses.