CHICAGO – In a new twist to the ongoing legal drama surrounding convicted murderer Drew Peterson, a Will County judge has appointed a special prosecutor to investigate potential contempt of court by Peterson’s former lawyer, Joel Brodsky. According to CBS Chicago, Brodsky is under scrutiny for potentially violating a gag order imposed last year.
William Elward, a part-time special prosecutor with the Illinois Office of the State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor, will take on the task after in a statement obtained by CBS Chicago the Will County State's Attorney's office expressed concern over Brodsky's recent interview, in which he discussed his handling of the case and his relationship with Peterson. The public defender representing Peterson argues that Brodsky's comments breached the 2022 order meant to keep details of the case under wraps.
In the 2012 trial that led Peterson, a former Bolingbrook police sergeant, to be convicted of the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, Brodsky served as his attorney. Peterson now claims his conviction should be overturned due to ineffective legal counsel. Complicating matters further, Brodsky made tantalizing remarks to WGN Investigates implying he possesses information that could resolve the disappearance of Stacy Peterson, Drew's fourth wife.
As Drew Peterson continues to maintain innocence and push for a new trial where he may testify, his public defender had placed a gag order on Brodsky which, according to WGN TV, he allegedly violated. During the investigation, all documents and reports from Glasgow's office will need to be turned over to Elward.
Peterson's legal conundrums extend beyond the murder conviction – he was also found guilty of attempting to have a hitman take out the Will County State’s Attorney who prosecuted his case. The decision to assign a special prosecutor comes from the potential conflict of interest, as Brodsky could be summoned to testify if Peterson secures a new trial. Multiple hearings at the Will County Courthouse on the matter were scheduled to take place Wednesday.
