Attorney general back in Cochonour case; ex-judge seeking immunity

[Cuban_Liberal]

Attorney general back in Cochonour case; ex-judge seeking immunity

By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer

TOLEDO — The Illinois Attorney General's Office is re-entering the case of ex-judge and convicted felon Robert Cochonour, it was reported in Cumberland County court.

Meanwhile, even though he refused to answer most questions while on the witness stand Friday, Cochonour will talk if he is granted immunity from prosecution, said his attorney.

"Mr. Cochonour will answer any question ... once he is provided immunity," said attorney Rick Halprin of Chicago.

Halprin also said that Cochonour has been "promised" immunity from the attorney general, and the Cumberland County State's Attorney's Office has likewise offered such protection in exchange for testimony.

Neither representatives of the state attorney general nor Cumberland County State's Attorney Barry Schaefer could be reached for comment.

Cochonour is currently serving a prison sentence for stealing from the estate of a wealthy Greenup merchant during the late 1980s, but has been accused of crimes he allegedly committed while serving during the 1990s as resident judge of Cumberland County.

He was called to the stand twice during court proceedings Friday, to testify in the probate cases of Jay Hayden, whose estate the ex-judge pilfered, and Hayden's mother, Martha, over whose finances Cochonour allegedly took control.

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