Jury selection begins in ex-Island Lake mayor's misconduct trial

Jury selection began Monday for the forgery and official misconduct trial of former Island Lake Mayor Thomas Hyde.

Hyde, 60, is accused of changing the name of a tavern owner on a liquor license from someone who hoped to buy the tavern back to its previous owner.

Hyde's attorney, Charles Smith of Waukegan, argues that Hyde did nothing wrong because as mayor he was also village liquor commissioner and had sole power over liquor licenses.

But Assistant State's Attorney Christen Bishop said Hyde acted illegally when he changed the name of the owner of 3D Bowl/Sideouts in May 2008 because the village board and village clerk also have responsibilities regarding liquor licenses.

Bishop said the board had approved transferring the license from Jerry DeLaurentis Jr., to his son, Jerry DeLaurentis III, in anticipation of the younger man's purchase of the establishment.

However, when plans to transfer ownership stalled, the younger DeLaurentis asked Hyde to reinstate the license in his father's name, Bishop said.

Bishop said Hyde used correction fluid to erase DeLaurentis' III corporation from the license, then added the father's name to the document.

Hyde left office in May after deciding not to seek re-election.

Hyde faces up to five years in prison if convicted, but would also be eligible for probation.

Last week, Hyde and his wife, Sharon, were charged in a new case that also stems from their work for the village.

Sharon Hyde is accused of drawing more than $100,000 in pay as director of the village's Creative Playtime preschool for hours she did not work.

Thomas Hyde is charged with acting illegally by voting to pay his wife while serving as mayor and a village trustee.

Smith has said neither of the Hydes are guilty of any wrongdoing in that case, and no evidence concerning the new charges will be heard in Thomas Hyde's trial this week.

Testimony in the case is expected to begin Tuesday.