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Judge stalking case changing hands in DuPage

A DuPage County judge recused himself Tuesday from a stalking case in which one of his judicial colleagues is the alleged victim.

Judge John Kinsella said his involvement could create an “appearance of impropriety” because the alleged victim, Judge Kathryn Creswell, presides over the 18th Judicial Circuit’s felony division.

The recusal means Chief Judge John Elsner will decide whether to assign the matter to a different local judge or seek the appointment of an out-of-county judge through the Illinois Supreme Court.

“It may well be a judge from another county,” Kinsella said.

Until a decision is made, suspect John Euwema, 57, of Western Springs, will remain held without bond.

Kinsella was scheduled Tuesday to hear a prosecution motion to deny the defendant bond but said he wasn’t comfortable ruling on the issue because of his judicial ties. Euwema’s attorneys agreed for him to be jailed until a hearing takes place and assured Kinsella their client will have no contact with Creswell.

Prosecutors said Euwema stalked Creswell by sending her husband money, a book and letters referencing personal details of their family. He’s been behind bars since September, after pleading guilty to driving with a revoked license in exchange for 90 days in jail and two years of probation — a term Creswell imposed.

The stalking case is due back in court Nov. 13.

Jail inmate charged with stalking DuPage judge, sending her money

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