Cellini lawyers say the juror's dishonesty is deeper than first thought.
After Illinois kingmaker William Cellini was convicted in November, it became known that juror Candy Chiles hadn't been truthful about her criminal past. But, the I-Team has learned that Chiles' criminal history is far more extensive than first thought, according to law enforcement records newly filed by Cellini's attorneys who want a new federal trial.
During a hearing in federal court last week, Chiles admitted that she had lied about her criminal past during jury selection. Among the arrests and convictions she admitted covering up was one case involving the possession and attempted delivery of crack cocaine.
Chiles told Judge James Zagel that she didn't disclose her past because the problems were behind her, or that she had been nervous and confused during jury selection.
But, now, there are new allegations of lying and deceit in a lengthy court filing by Cellini's lawyers, who contend that Chiles even gave false testimony during last week's hearing on whether she had previously lied.
Chiles said last week that she never tested positive for drugs after a DUI conviction in Chicago in 2008. But drug testing records show that she did test positive for cocaine and opiates, according to the court filing. Cellini's lawyers say that is further proof she is a liar and should not have been allowed on the jury.
Attorneys say, at last week's hearing, Chiles also covered up her relatives' criminal histories, specifically the 2004 battery arrests of her daughter Jackita and Lackita, charged with causing "bodily harm" to another woman by "biting...punching...scratching...pulling hair" of victims.
Cellini's attorney Dan Webb is asking the court to recall juror Chiles to the witness stand so she can be questioned about her past.
Judge Zagel previously allowed only limited questioning of the juror by Cellini's lawyers, who say they want more a extensive examination to show she was biased.
The judge has not ruled on the motion to recall her to the witness stand, but the judge did set arguments for next Friday, January 20.
