Judge Found Not Guilty of Bringing Gun to Chicago Courthouse

(Matt Masterson / Chicago Tonight)(Matt Masterson / Chicago Tonight)

CHICAGO (AP) — A judge who was caught on video apparently dropping a handgun in a Chicago courthouse has been acquitted of carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited area.

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Will County Circuit Judge Edward Burmila ruled Tuesday that it wasn't clear from the surveillance video that the object that fell from Cook County Judge Joseph Claps' jacket was a firearm.

Two sheriff's deputies testified that they saw Claps drop, then pick up, a gun in the lobby of the Leighton Criminal Court Building on July 3.

Claps' attorney asserted that neither deputy examined or confiscated the object that the judge dropped.

The 70-year-old Claps has been on administrative duties since his arrest.

Burmila handled the case due to Claps' relationship with other Cook County judges, who generally preside over Chicago cases.


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