Judge delays decision on special prosecutor in Operation Midway Blitz cases

A judge is delaying a decision on whether to appoint a special prosecutor to handle alleged crimes by federal agents during Operation Midway Blitz after petitioners submitted new evidence last week.

Why it matters: This latest delay highlights continued disagreement between local progressives and Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke's office on the issue.

• But it also illustrates the potential power of the recent Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) report, documenting multiple alleged crimes by agents across the Chicago area.

Catch up quick: More than 90 elected officials, along with organizers and clergy, filed a March petition asking Judge Erica Reddick to appoint a special prosecutor, instead of O'Neill Burke, to handle Operation Midway Blitz cases.

• Last month, Reddick heard arguments and said she'd rule on May 11.
• But last Wednesday, petitioners filed new evidence based on the IAC report and the state's attorney filed a response.
• Given the new evidence and need for a follow-up response, Reddick has delayed her final ruling.

Between the lines: The IAC report is proving influential on multiple fronts.

• Evidence from the report, last week, prompted a "use of force" investigation by Illinois State Police on the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas González, which the State's Attorney's office is helping investigate and could ultimately prosecute.

Yes, but: That cooperation may not be enough for Judge Reddick, who on Monday asked why the State's Attorney's written protocol singles out "use of force" crimes for potential prosecution and omits "conspiracy or perjury."

What's next: The petitioners are set to present a final response by Friday and Reddick is scheduled to announce her decision on May 21.