It looks like there is a developing story in the George Ryan trial.
And it will be developing into who knows what later today.
The Chicago Tribune has a great scoop tonight in its online edition. Yes, free registration may be required.
A federal judge launched an investigation into a juror in the George Ryan trial Thursday hours after the Tribune reported to court officials that public records appear to show the man had hidden a felony DUI conviction from the court during jury selection.
The revelation cast a shadow over the historic prosecution of the former governor, and could potentially lead to a motion for a mistrial or form grounds for the juror's dismissal with deliberations already underway.
Court records matching the suburban juror's name and other identifying information show a conviction for aggravated drunken driving-a felony-while Ryan was secretary of state in 1995.
In a sworn questionnaire filled out by potential jurors before the trial's start last September, the juror answered "no" when asked if he, a close friend or relative had ever been charged or accused of a crime.
The Tribune also reports that someone with the juror's same name had his driving privileges revoked or suspended several times during Ryan's tenure as Secretary of State.
In Illinois, the majority of what the Secretary of State's office is responsible for is what the Department of Motor Vehicles does in many other states.
The Trib isn't naming the juror since doing so would place the newspaper directly on an ethical landmine, but his name will quickly get out, you can be assured.
And he'll be regretting not marking "yes" on his juror questionnaire when asked if he, a relative, or a close friend had ever been accused of a crime.
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