Judge refuses to drop Bianchi charges — again

A judge has denied a final motion to drop corruption charges against McHenry County State’s Attorney Louis Bianchi, meaning the matter is full steam ahead for trial Monday.

Winnebago County Judge Joseph McGraw rejected defense attorney Terry Ekl’s argument that Special Prosecutors Thomas McQueen and Henry Tonigan mislead a grand jury that eventually indicted Bianchi and his personal secretary, Joyce Synek.

“This court cannot find, as a matter of law, that there is absolutely no evidence connecting the accused to the offenses charged,” McGraw wrote.

Bianchi is accused of using county resources to further his re-election campaign. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted, but probation is an option.

The bench trial before McGraw is set to begin Monday in Woodstock and is expected to last about a week,