Circuit Court Judge Stephen White assigned to Peterson case

Updated Drew Peterson posts/videos

June 1, 2009

Well won’t be anymore judges unless it comes from the Court. Both the prosecution and defense have used their substitution motions. The original judge was to be presiding felony Judge Richard Schoenstedt. But on 5-18, Peterson’s arraignment the prosecution surprised the defense by requesting Judge Richard Schoenstedt be replaced on “the grounds of prejudice against the state”. No real reason needed to be disclosed. The defense attempted to fight it but Will County Chief Judge Gerald McKinney assigned Judge Carla Alessio Policandriotes .

Initially, the defense had no idea who she was and said they objected. After the break they said she was fine. As a fleeting counterpoint the defense thought about requesting a new prosecutor but never went through with it. She refused to lower Peterson’s bond and at that hearing defense attorney Joel Brodsky brought up the issue as to whether she should recuse herself because she had signed then Kathleen Peterson’s order of protection from Drew – [I see I never posted this]. She said she did not remember the case (2002) and again they said they were fine with her — that she had a “very sharp legal mind” and is “not afraid to make unpopular rulings” and “that’s exactly the type of judge we want”. But the judge gave them 9 days to file a motion, which they did, citing “prejudice against the defendant’. They also requested that Judge Daniel Rozak – who agreed with the $20M bond – not be assigned.

Yesterday, Chief Judge Kinney assigned Circuit Court Judge Stephen White.

I wonder if it will prompt another Peterson call to The Today Show or Mancow. I realize I never posted that phone call either. Absolutely disgusting. Will find it.

Next hearing set for Wednesday, June 3rd, 1:30.

Glenn Selig, Peterson/Brodsky publicist:

A new judge was assigned today in the Drew Peterson case. Circuit Judge Stephen White will now oversee proceedings. Will County Chief Judge Gerald Kinney made the decision this morning. The defense team representing Peterson wanted Judge Carla Alessio Policandriotes replaced.

“We’re pleased that we can finally get moving on the merits of the case,” says lead defense attorney Joel A. Brodsky.

The next hearing in the case is set for Wednesday at 1:30pm CST where attorneys will discuss the merits of sealing discovery and limiting Peterson’s face-to-face contact with his legal team.