Overview
- On Thursday federal prosecutors moved to dismiss with prejudice the remaining misdemeanor counts against four defendants, vacating a trial that had been set to begin next week.
- A review of unredacted grand jury transcripts disclosed specific problems including a prosecutor vouching for the case, a prosecutor speaking with a juror outside proceedings, excusal of jurors who dissented, and multiple presentations after an initial no‑bill.
- U.S. District Judge April Perry strongly rebuked the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ordered prosecutors who handled the redactions to appear, and reserved the question of sanctions and further court action.
- Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros told the court he was unaware of the misconduct until recently, said no one intended to mislead the judge, and announced the office was dropping the charges.
- The collapse of the case raises questions about grand jury practices in Operation Midway Blitz prosecutions, has prompted media motions to unseal records, and leaves defendants facing legal bills and reputational harm while possible disciplinary steps proceed.