Thoughts

"Ex-cop's testimony slammed by mob trial judge"
By Jeff Coen
Chicago Tribune
9/12/2007

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-familysecrets_websep13,1,1305403.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

Former Chicago Police Officer Anthony "Twan" Doyle, who was convicted of racketeering conspiracy earlier this week in the landmark "Family Secrets" trial in federal court was before U.S. District Judge James Zagel today to determine whether he would remain free until sentencing. At today's hearing, Zagel blasted Doyle's testimony in his own defense, saying, "I think there was no chance that a jury would believe this." A decision on Doyle's fate was not made today and the hearing will resume Thursday at 9 a.m.

I believe that Judge Zagel should order that Doyle be taken into custody immediately. None of Doyle's other co-defendants in the case are out on bond. Doyle should not be either. The charges Doyle were convicted of carry a maximum of 20 years in prison. Clearly, the chance that Doyle - who has exhibited a disregard for the law in the past, and who one would assume, has nothing more to lose - could flee before his sentencing date is too great. Further, ordering that Doyle be taken into custody immediately will reinforce the message that racketeering and other organized crime activity will not be tolerated in and around Chicago - message that prosecutors and politicians have attempted to reinforce throughout the summer-long trial.