Article updated: 1/19/2012 10:36 AM

Bianchi fires back, sues special prosecutors for $15 million

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Louis Bianchi

Special Prosecutors Thomas McQueen, left, and Henry Tonigan announce new misconduct charges against McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi in Woodstock today. Bianchi and others in his office are accused of using their positions of power for lighter or reduced sentences for relatives and contributors to Bianchi's campaign.

Harry Hitzeman | Staff Photographer

McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi, center, shakes hands with his defense attorney, Terry Ekl, after being acquitted on 21 felony charges as Bianchi's wife, Jean, looks on.

Harry Hitzeman | Staff Photographer

Terry Ekl, the defense attorney for McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi, who was acquitted of misconduct charges last month, announces during a news conference at the McHenry County Courthouse Thursday, April 7, 2011 that six people are asking a judge to dismiss special prosecutors for incompetence and over billing. Terry Ekl, Bianchi's attorney, estimates Henry Tonigan and Thomas McQueen could ultimately charge the county $1 million. So far, about $300,000 has been paid so far and another $90,000 invoice has been submitted, but that's only for work through November 2010.

Brian Hill | Staff Photographer

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McHenry County State's Attorney Louis Bianchi, who was acquitted in two misconduct trials last year, files a $15 million federal lawsuit against two special prosecutors and a computer forensic firm claiming conspiracy, malicious prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress, unreasonable search and seizure and violation of due process.