Judge denies 'hare-brained' Blago motion

CHICAGO, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A federal judge Monday rejected former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's motion for a new trial, calling it "hare-brained."

The motion, filed Friday, alleged Connie Wilson, the jury forewoman, violated U.S. District Judge James Zagel's orders that a jury questionnaire be kept confidential by using the questionnaire in a public presentation, the Chicago Tribune reported.

"I never (instructed) the jury that the questionnaire or anything ... had to be kept confidential," Zagel said. "How you could have concluded that ... is just beyond my imagination."

Zagel suggested the lawyer for Blagojevich write an apology to the juror.

Of the motion for a new trial, Politico reported, Zagel said, "I intend to deny this motion, which I regard as hare-brained."

Blagojevich's lawyers cited a newspaper article reporting that in an appearance at a high school in Aurora, Ill., Wilson showed students sketches of him during his testimony as well as copies of her jury summons and questionnaire.

"Mrs. Wilson, if indeed she does have a copy of her questionnaire, has violated a rule of this court and engaged in potential jury misconduct," the motion stated. "If it is found that Ms. Wilson violated court rules, her violations must result in a new trial."

Zagel rebuked the lawyer who wrote the motion, calling it "improper" and suggesting she seek a lawyer for herself and that she file with the court an explanation why she believed the motion was valid.

Blagojevich was sentenced this month to 14 years in prison for his conviction on 18 corruption counts.