It has been found that the McHenry County Courts have more power than the McHenry County Board. That was revealed recently when the Board considered the funding for defense investigation in connection the indictment of the McHenry County State's Attorney and an administrative assistant.
It was reported to the Board that billing on the project is a "court ordered fee". The firm retained to investigate the allegations gives the Chief Judge of the 22nd Judicial District a bill of the hours and the fees involved. The Court reviews it and determines what is to be paid by the County Board. That is provided in the form of a Court Order which the County is expected to pay.
Some of the County Board members expressed dismay that they were not able to review the bills before they are paid. However, they were informed that is the law. The bills will be available for inspection after the investigation into the allegations in the indictment is completed. All documents in connection with the indictment are expected to be available for review at a later date. At this point the indictment contains charges and is not evidence of guilt and the defendants, Louis A. Bianchi and Joyce Synek are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial. At that time the prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Money has been set aside for the payment of the bills; however, the initial amount was not sufficient since another bill was recently received. Associate County Administrator, John Labaj says it is possible the cost could be as much as $500,000.
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