Story perspectives

Chicago judge warns contempt over prosecutors' grand-jury misconduct

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge April Perry in Chicago found federal prosecutors engaged in grand-jury conduct and warned of possible criminal contempt.
Defense lawyers asked Perry to appoint counsel, though the Justice Department opposed, citing exposure of communications.
Prosecutor Sheri Mecklenburg spoke with jurors after two failed sessions, influencing the third session that produced an indictment of six protesters.
The Office of Responsibility is auditing Mecklenburg’s work and reviewing 1,000 grand-jury transcripts for irregularities.

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Story summary

Judge April Perry in Chicago found federal prosecutors engaged in grand-jury conduct and warned of possible criminal contempt.
Defense lawyers asked Perry to appoint counsel, though the Justice Department opposed, citing exposure of communications.
Prosecutor Sheri Mecklenburg spoke with jurors after two failed sessions, influencing the third session that produced an indictment of six protesters.
The Office of Responsibility is auditing Mecklenburg’s work and reviewing 1,000 grand-jury transcripts for irregularities.