Judge orders newspaper to turn over Cellini notes

A federal judge has ordered the Chicago Tribune to turn over notes and recordings in a fight over a juror who didn’t disclose her criminal record in the trial of convicted Illinois powerbroker William Cellini.

Cellini was convicted Nov. 1 of conspiring to extort a campaign donation for ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Last week attorneys from the Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times received subpoenas from Cellini’s attorneys for all documents or recordings related to the juror who didn’t disclose her record.

Judge James Zagel’s late Monday ruling didn’t mention the Sun-Times.

Tribune attorneys filed a motion Monday saying subpoenas to journalists should be a last resort.

Tribune editor Gerould Kern says the newspaper is considering its options.

The Tribune reports that the subpoenas require materials be turned over by Wednesday.