Blagojevich filing accuses juror of misconduct

[December 17, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Attorneys for impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich have asked a judge for an emergency evidentiary hearing on what they say is potential misconduct by the foreman at his corruption retrial.

A defense filing Friday with U.S. District Court in Chicago says if Connie Wilson is found to have violated court rules that "must result in a new trial."

The request comes after Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Blagojevich must report to prison in March.

Blagojevich's lawyers complain that Wilson has made multiple public appearances to discuss the retrial earlier this year. They say she appears to have violated a court order by possessing a questionnaire from the retrial and using it in at least one public presentation.

Wilson did not respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

[Associated Press]

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