Just as it began, Beavers’ tax trial delayed

The trial of an influential Chicago-area politician is being pushed back into next month.

Jury selection was set to continue Tuesday in the tax evasion case against Cook County Commissioner William Beavers. But the judge delayed the entire trial until Jan. 31 because one defense attorney, Victor Henderson, is ill.

The 77-year-old Beavers has pleaded not guilty to diverting thousands of dollars from his campaign coffers for personal use without reporting it and of then trying to cover the deed up.

Potential jurors filled out questionnaires on Monday. The court never began the next stage of jury selection where a U.S. district judge questions would-be panelists to assess their suitability.

Defense attorneys say Henderson fell ill with a severe case of bronchitis.