Local news briefs
Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: News
Biagini resigns
Bruce Biagini, former ethical officer and attorney for Western Illinois University, has resigned.
Western Board of Trustees chairman Steve Nelson announced the resignation at a recent meeting, adding that all ethical duties have been transferred to attorney Heidi Benson with Flack, McRaven & Stephens Law Firm of Macomb.
Biagini's resignation stemmed from a Supreme Court decision to suspend him for 90 days for an ethical lapse after failing to disclose a family connection within a real estate transaction.
Since the time of initial reports, Biagini has been unavailable for comment.
-Ed Komenda
managing editor
DUI causes serious injuries
Police arrested Justin R. Gilson, a 23-year-old resident of Macomb, after he struck a bicyclist while driving drunk around 2:45 a.m. on Saturday.
Gilson is being charged with several counts of drunk driving-related charges. His bond was set at $50,000 and a hearing has been set for Nov. 16. He had two prior charges for delivering marijuana.
According to witnesses, the victium was struck near the 100 block of West Pierce Street and remained on the hood of Gilson's car until he struck a parked car on the 200 block.
The victim, who was initially listed in critical condition, was airlifted to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria Saturday morning. He has since been announced to be in fair condition.
Witnesses held Gilson at the scene until police arrived, at which time he failed a field sobriety test. His blood alcohol content was .19, more than twice the legal limit, after his breathalyzer test.
-Patrick Haynes
assistant news editor
Bruce Biagini, former ethical officer and attorney for Western Illinois University, has resigned.
Western Board of Trustees chairman Steve Nelson announced the resignation at a recent meeting, adding that all ethical duties have been transferred to attorney Heidi Benson with Flack, McRaven & Stephens Law Firm of Macomb.
Biagini's resignation stemmed from a Supreme Court decision to suspend him for 90 days for an ethical lapse after failing to disclose a family connection within a real estate transaction.
Since the time of initial reports, Biagini has been unavailable for comment.
-Ed Komenda
managing editor
DUI causes serious injuries
Police arrested Justin R. Gilson, a 23-year-old resident of Macomb, after he struck a bicyclist while driving drunk around 2:45 a.m. on Saturday.
Gilson is being charged with several counts of drunk driving-related charges. His bond was set at $50,000 and a hearing has been set for Nov. 16. He had two prior charges for delivering marijuana.
According to witnesses, the victium was struck near the 100 block of West Pierce Street and remained on the hood of Gilson's car until he struck a parked car on the 200 block.
The victim, who was initially listed in critical condition, was airlifted to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria Saturday morning. He has since been announced to be in fair condition.
Witnesses held Gilson at the scene until police arrived, at which time he failed a field sobriety test. His blood alcohol content was .19, more than twice the legal limit, after his breathalyzer test.
-Patrick Haynes
assistant news editor
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
observer
posted 11/05/09 @ 10:35 AM CST
I am pretty sure that Heidi Benson was the lawyer for a thief that stole several hundred thousand from his employer. Getting arrested for 3 felonies I believe. (Continued…)
AJD
posted 11/05/09 @ 2:37 PM CST
Oh, come on. EVERYONE in this country is entitled to counsel, no matter what they've done. By your argument, any lawyer that was hired to defend someone would run the risk of being called "unethical. (Continued…)
observer
posted 11/05/09 @ 3:29 PM CST
AJD, I have and will readily admit Ms. Benson's outstanding abilities as a criminal lawyer.
I only questioned her ethical standing as a criminal defense lawyer with an obvious knowledge of the law and the choosing of how to use it to their advantage. (Continued…)
AJD
posted 11/05/09 @ 7:11 PM CST
I don't think that there's necessarily a problem with a criminal defense lawyer becoming an ethics lawyer. If she's damn good at one, chances are she's going to be damn good at the other considering you have to be a pretty good study to be a good criminal defense lawyer. (Continued…)
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