Prosecutor suspended for four weeks

A Kane County prosecutor would have lost her job if State's Attorney John Barsanti believed she hid her affair with an Aurora police officer in a deliberate attempt to undermine the judicial system.

Barsanti, at his regularly scheduled monthly news meeting, said he did consider firing Elizabeth Lovig when the affair, which began in late 2001, was discovered last month.

"I don't think she did this to subvert justice," Barsanti said. "She just didn't think it was important, or she didn't want anybody to know."

Barsanti suspended Lovig for four weeks without pay. She will not serve the four weeks consecutively, enabling her to still have enough income to pay her bills, Barsanti said.

Lovig's cases involving the unnamed Aurora officer are still under review. One conviction in a weapons case has already been vacated and awaits a new trial.

Barsanti said he's had an in-depth discussion with his staff about disclosing all "significant emotional relationships." Such relationships include dating situations and friendships, Barsanti said.

"Nothing is wrong with any of that," Barsanti said. "The problem is when you're having a trial and not disclosing that stuff. It could be an ethical violation not to disclose it. We have to be aware of these things so we can make sure these cases are aboveboard."

Lovig may face additional discipline from the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Spokesman Peter Rotskoff said there is no public information available regarding the commission's examination of Lovig nor could he confirm that an investigation is even under way.

Lovig could not be reached for comment.