Jury splits verdict in Stroger patronage figure's DuPage trial

A jury reached a split verdict late Thursday in the trial of a key figure in the Cook County patronage hiring scandal, who fought charges for an unrelated Wheaton courthouse scuffle.

Tony E. Cole was convicted of violating the bail bond he received for a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend in Elmhurst, but jurors acquitted him of three other misdemeanors involving a DuPage County sheriff's deputy.

Cole, 30, of Mt. Carmel, faces up to one year in jail and fines. DuPage Associate Judge William Ferguson set a Dec. 18 sentencing date. The judge denied the prosecution's request to revoke Cole's bond.

Cole was accused March 13, 2008 of striking his ex-girlfriend in the face. Nearly six months later, while free on bond, Cole found himself in more legal trouble when he showed up for his trial.

Prosecutors Fred Flather and Bethany Jackson said Cole argued with the woman and tried to block her from entering the courtroom Sept. 10, 2008 despite a judge's order barring further contact.

Cole also was accused of slapping away the hand of a male deputy who investigated the heated exchange. Cole denied Thursday touching the deputy. Cole also said he did not confront his ex-girlfriend, whom he said was the one who bonded him out of jail months earlier.

"I was there to proclaim my innocence," Cole testified.

Jill Eckhaus and Christopher Holland, both assistant public defenders, said the incident was blown out of proportion. They noted the ex-girlfriend did not testify and prosecutors lacked audio or video recordings to prove their case even though the courtroom was equipped with both.

"This was a situation that went too far," Eckhaus said. "It was jumping to conclusions and over exaggerating."

But, if nothing had happened, why did the courtroom deputy call in her colleague for backup, Jackson asked jurors.

"Something was going on," the prosecutor said. "The defendant was not truthful. We can prove this case without (the ex-girlfriend). Don't blame (her) for being scared and not being in the courtroom today."

The jury of seven men, five women deliberated more than one hour before reaching the split verdict.

In an earlier plea deal, Cole admitted battering his ex-girlfriend and was ordered to serve 12 months of a less restrictive form of probation, pay fines, and get counseling if deemed appropriate.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger hired the former busboy in October 2008 as an aide to Stroger's cousin, Donna Dunnings, the office's chief financial officer. Cole was twice promoted and saw his salary rise to $61,000 before Stroger fired him in April amid a patronage hiring scandal. Stroger also fired Dunnings, who at least twice bailed Cole out of jail in the domestic violence cases.

Cole has portrayed himself as a hardworking college student who was a victim in a political feud between his higher-ups. Stroger's name did not come up in the DuPage County trial.