Bomb threat doesn't play well at courthouse

He may have meant it sarcastically, but DuPage County sheriff's deputies weren't amused.

A 30-year-old Palatine man was free on bond Monday after deputies accused him last week of making a false bomb threat at the Wheaton courthouse.

Marc J. Mueller, 1288 S. Parkside Drive, was due in court Thursday for a June 12 arrest in Downers Grove in which he was charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver. Police said they discovered Mueller had 59 pills of the powerful painkiller Vicodin, which contains hydrocodone, a controlled substance, on him during a traffic stop on the village's west side.

Mueller showed up for court late week but ran into more trouble on his way through security.

Prosecutor Diane Michalak said Mueller became belligerent while waiting in line just inside the courthouse annex and, after a deputy instructed him to remove his belt, he remarked he had a "belt bomb."

Prosecutors charged Mueller with disorderly conduct. He also faces bribery charges on suspicion he told deputies they could keep all the cash he had on him as a tip if they let him go.

DuPage Associate Judge Jane Mitton set a $500,000 bond for the latest allegation. Mueller posted the required 10 percent, or $50,000, and was released Friday.

Mueller is due to appear in court Aug. 11th. His attorney, Phil Montgomery, did not return a phone call Monday seeking comment.