West indictment a test of legal system

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities), aptly describes the on going investigation and now indictment of Kane County Coroner, Chuck West. He has been accused of official misconduct for allegedly allowing a dead man's television to be used for the personal gain of another.

Official misconduct, in my opinion, is the disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice charge, and a catchall for our political brethren; used, when nothing else will fit. Because of their far-reaching scope, these loosely worded laws have an inherent veil of doubt cast onto them.

So I have to wonder why a special state prosecutor would engage in such a doubtful venture in prosecuting this case. A professional prosecutor only brings cases to trial that have no room for doubt. We all should know that a skillful prosecutor could indict Mickey Mouse, as a secret grand jury is a one-sided onslaught left over from the dark ages.

I suspect this whole affair somehow is being fueled by politics, much like former Kane County Drug Court Judge James Doyle's and former Kane County State's Attorney Meg Gorecki's legal troubles were. How else can you explain that it is unclear if Kane County will pay for Coroner West's defense? Because West was on duty during the alleged offense there is precedence which provides for the county popping for his legal expenses, like the "DuPage Seven" (where officials were accused of railroading Orlando Cruz) prosecution, whose defense was paid for by DuPage taxpayers at the insistence of State's Attorney Joe Birkett.

Chuck West, by law, has the right of a presumption of innocence. All eyes should be on this latest test of our legal system.

Paula McGowen

Glen Ellyn