Accused gym coach's mom: Birkett is 'deceitful'
The courtroom drama surrounding a former Aurora gymnastics coach charged with fondling several students escalated Monday as his mother found herself in handcuffs.
Hours later, Linda Lynch emerged from the DuPage County jail on $2,500 bail after pleading innocent to forgery charges. Prosecutors said the 58-year-old Oswego woman doctored schedules at her family gymnastics facility to bolster her son's defense during his 2005 trial.
An office manager, Andrea Arndt, 34, of Montgomery, faces a similar allegation.
Lynch has remained a steadfast supporter of her son, Michael Cardamone, 31, since 14 students first raised allegations of inappropriate touching. A jury acquitted him of the most serious predatory offenses, which carry mandatory life prison terms, but found him guilty of allegations involving half the girls.
As Cardamone served a 20-year prison term, a state appeals court in March overturned the conviction based on serious trial errors. The Aurora man told the Daily Herald he has refused the prosecution's secret offers of a quick plea deal and instead is prepared to gamble with his future before a second jury rather than admit to something he said he did not do.
Lynch also released a written statement Monday proclaiming her innocence. She accused prosecutors of trying to create a distraction from their damaged case against her son. She said her family has spent nearly $1 million to defend Cardamone.
"The mere fact that not only myself, but many honest individuals have been brought before a grand jury is another example of how (DuPage County State's Attorney) Joe Birkett's office uses distraction to defer from the case at hand," her handwritten statement read. "His office has used deceitful and manipulative methods to win convictions by overlooking and high-stepping the truth."
Cardamone was released from jail Saturday on a $550,000 bond. A trial date has not been set.
All of the new allegations against Arndt, Cardamone and Lynch stem from a secret grand jury investigation that began in the fall after his estranged wife, Elizabeth, against whom he filed for divorce, began cooperating with the prosecution. She since recanted, but her statements are immortalized in grand jury transcripts.
In more fallout, a judge earlier cited respected defense attorney Joseph Laraia with civil contempt for not cooperating fully with the secret grand jury investigation. Laraia represents Cardamone.
In response to Lynch's criticism, Birkett said Monday he bases his charging decisions solely on what is in the best interest of the public and its safety. He said several uncharged sexual allegations against Cardamone still may be pursued.
Arndt and Lynch are due in court Feb. 23. They face probation or up to five years in prison if convicted. Michael Cardamone is back in court Jan. 28.