View Full Version : Anti-Military Lawyer Damages Marine's Car
3SoldierDad
12-30-2007, 19:38
Anti-Military Lawyer Damages Marine's Car on Eve of Deployment
Posted By Blackfive on www.blackfive.net
This ought to make your blood boil. And this Marine should receive a commendation for not kicking the living crap out of the guy...seriously.
Marine Sgt Mike McNulty is on activation orders to Iraq (second tour). On December 1st, 2007, Mike went to visit a friend in Chicago before deploying to say goodbye. In order to get to his friend's residence, and keep in mind that Chicago is a myriad of diagonal and one-way streets, the front entrance (right way) to the one-way street was blocked. Mike, being a Marine, overcame and adapted by driving around the block to the other end of the street and backing up all the way to his friend's place.
While saying goodbye, at about 11am, he noticed a man leaning up against his car. Mike left his friend's apartment and caught the man keying his car on multiple sides.
10
After caught in the process, the man told Mike, "you think you can do whatever you want with Department of Defense license plates and tags". (In Illinois you can purchase veteran, Marine, or medal plates. Mike has Illinois Marine Corps license plates.) During the exchange, he made additional anti-military comments.
Mike called the Chicago police and had the man arrested. A citation against the man was issued for misdemeanor criminal damage to private property.
The police report (and I have copies if needed) states:
Victim related to P/O that as he walked back to his vehicle, he observed the offender leaning up against his vehicle and rubbed/dragged his left arm and hand across the passenger side. As offender walked away from victim's vehicle, victim observed a scratch along the rear trunk and passenger's door area where offender dragged his arm and hand over. Victim and witness stopped offender and confronted him. Victim has military plates and decals on his vehicle and offender made anti war and military comments to victim. Upon P/O's arrival to scene, offender denied scratch victim's vehicle, but did admit to rubbing past it. Victim at this time did not sign complaint, because he is leaving tour for military duty. Offender said they accused him of scratching the car because he is Jewish. Offender's statements/responses to P/O's questions unreasonable.
As it turns out, the man is Chicago lawyer Jay R. Grodner, who owns a law firm in the city and has offices in the suburbs.
After sending the car to the body shop, it was determined there is $2400 in damage, making this a felony. Mike went to court Friday morning to collect the damages against Mr. Grodner and file felony charges. Though the damages are over $300 (the amount which determines felony or misdemeanor) Grodner offered Mike to pay his deductible, $100, and have Mike's insurance pay for it.
The Illinois States Attorneys tried to coerce Mike into accepting the offer. Appalled, Mike said he wanted this to be a felony. The state told Mike that it was not worth pursuing felony damage against Grodner because they don't have the time. In addition, the state prosecutors told him that he would never it 'would be difficult to recover the damages' from Grodner because he is a lawyer.
Instead, the State asked Mike if he would accept probation for Grodner. Mike accepted, probation was offered to Grodner, and Grodner declined the offer, saying within ear shot of Mike, "I'm not going to make it easy on this kid". Mike's next court date is tomorrow, Monday, December 31st, to pursue misdemeanor charges against Grodner.
Mike's leave is over on January 2nd when he reports to Camp Pendleton before heading to Iraq.
Jay Grodner knows this and is going to file for a continuance until Mike is gone and cannot appear in court.
By account of the Illinois State's Attorneys, Grodner is likely to get away with defacing Mike's car with no penalty because, 1) Mike is about to deploy to Iraq and will not be available to appear in court, and 2) Grodner is a lawyer and can get out of this very easily.
So, does anyone have any ideas about how to proceed? All peaceful and rational ideas are welcomed. We are contacting the media about this, too.
Please pass this story on to anyone you know that might be able to help. Contact me at blackfive@gmail.com if you have any information or ideas.
Thanks!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by: Three Soldier Dad...Chuck
Mr. Grodner's contact info is...
Jay R. Grodner
Law Offices of Jay R. Grodner
Principal Office-Deerfield
625 Deerfield Road –Suite 406
Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone: (847) 444-1500
Fax: (847) 444-0663
Downtown Chicago
30 N. LaSalle St. - Suite 1210
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 236-1142
Fax: (312) 236-6036
Email: jayrg8@aol.com
Web: http://www.jaygrodner.com (site currently down)
Three Soldier Dad...Chuck
.
What a lousy POS this guy is. Blackfive's fan base is enormous, I hope someone is able to help this Marine.
3SoldierDad
12-30-2007, 19:58
Yeah, I saw it just got picked-up by Town Hall, too...
If an attorney on this site would go after this guy, and there was a kitty to cover some costs I'd kick in some dough $$$...This dude needs a visit to the woodshed.
Some creative thinking is in order.
Three Soldier Dad...Chuck
Surgicalcric
12-30-2007, 19:59
I hope someone beats his ass.
Crip
The Reaper
12-30-2007, 20:57
I hope someone beats his ass.
Crip
Or takes it out on HIS car.
Repeatedly.
TR
I hope someone beats his ass.
Crip
Or takes it out on HIS car.
Repeatedly.
TR
Or both...
Or takes it out on HIS car.
Repeatedly.
TR
With him in it.......perhaps????
I'm game
Or both...
You are thinking like I'm thinking
Sleepover at Gypsy's house!!!!!
I'll bring the lighter.......wait a minute......I've got a torch somewhere......found it!!
You are thinking like I'm thinking
Sleepover at Gypsy's house!!!!!
I'll bring the lighter.......wait a minute......I've got a torch somewhere......found it!!
Ok but it's BYOB, my car cost me a small fortune at the beginning of Dec and I'm tapped... :D
Smokin Joe
12-30-2007, 22:05
In most states victims can designate a lawful representative in there absence.
Also video tap his deposition to be used as his testimony for trial while he is gone.
It would seem to be a reasonable solution...I'm not sure of the requirements as it relates here.
A commentor on the Blackfive site posted he'd be able to help, he must have taken that offline with Matt (Blackfive).
Someone elsewhere found some interesting info on this jackass, but as it's not 100% verifiable it's the same guy, but probably is, I won't post it here.
Wow, I think I know Mike-of course there could be more than one SGT Mike McNulty in the Marine Corps in the Chicago area. If it's one and the same-well, the lawyer likely picked the wrong "kid" to mess with-although he does look like a kid!
This is just totally unacceptable. My son is a Marine and if this ever happened to him someone would be in the hospital with multiple contusions and lacerations, not to mention a few broken bones. Anyway, if this Marine needs help monetarily to help fight this while he is gone, my husbnad and I are game.
Team Sergeant
12-31-2007, 10:53
The last thing I would want on my mind is the thought of again facing a pissed off Marine Sergeant that has spent multiple combat tours in lethal environment knowing I deliberately and with complete malice screwed him over.
When this Marine Sergeant deploys all he’s going to have on his mind is that lowlife scum of a human attorney for the entire year or so he’s deployed.
Jay R. Grodner will not be sleeping well in the months to come I’m sure.
Five bucks says Jay R. Grodner shaves his head, changes his name to Mahatma Gandhi, and moves to New Zealand.
Jay R. Grodner
Law Offices of Jay R. Grodner
Principal Office-Deerfield
625 Deerfield Road –Suite 406
Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone: (847) 444-1500
Fax: (847) 444-0663
Downtown Chicago
30 N. LaSalle St. - Suite 1210
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 236-1142
Fax: (312) 236-6036
Email: jayrg8@aol.com
Web: http://www.jaygrodner.com (site is still down)
Snaquebite
12-31-2007, 10:58
It appears that as a result of all the blog coverage this has gotten this asshat's website is down. Googling his name brings up a lot of blogs that have brought this story to light. I'm forwarding the info to every news service I can hoping that someone will pick up on it and make this guy miserable.
Court date is today, at 1:30pm. I've a feeling the good Sergeant will have many supporters showing up. :D
More on this scumbag...I'm sure there's more.
Jay M. Grodner was admitted to the bar in Illinois on May 17, 1978.
In 1978, he was an Assistant State's Attorney and, along with four other attorneys, forged names to petition for a state referendum.
In 1979, he was found guilty of election law misdemeanor, place on probation for 6 months and fined $ 1,000.
In 1984, he was censured by the Illinois Supreme Court for that misconduct.
In re Armentrout et al., 99 Ill.2d 242, 457 N.E.2d 1262 (1983)
The case can be found under R&D in his bar records at http://www.iardc.org/ldetail.asp?id=321873784
3SoldierDad
12-31-2007, 13:52
Someone found the man's sorry face...
"Jay Grodner is as ugly as his actions make him out to be. I found one of his many dating site profiles by googling "jayrg8". The bare chested pic almost made me barf.
I took the liberty of uploading everything to imageshack so you don't have to sign up to the dating site."
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3020/jaygrodnernudepicjk1.gif
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5850/jaygrodnerpichz0.gif
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8053/jaygrodneradev6.jpg
The dude is going to need to go into hiding. He's done.
Wow, he is one sorry looking animal....Even without bruises.
Three Soldier Dad...Chuck
Ladies and gents the outpouring of support for this young Marine is great. I'd recommend that we all use discretion and refrain from airing personal details of the Lawyer, given his propensity to look for legal actions.
I like this site and would hate for it to get shut down by this scumbag and his cronies.
Admins/Mods Please consider this as a kind gesture.
I think he is an oxygen theif looking to get rich off people.
Kyobanim
12-31-2007, 15:21
Ladies and gents the outpouring of support for this young Marine is great. I'd recommend that we all use discretion and refrain from airing personal details of the Lawyer, given his propensity to look for legal actions.
I like this site and would hate for it to get shut down by this scumbag and his cronies.
Admins/Mods Please consider this as a kind gesture.
I think he is an oxygen theif looking to get rich off people.
I may be wrong, but I haven't seen anything posted of a personal nature that would be wrong. If the info is public record then no foul. Now all the posts recommending physical action might be out of order.
Team Sergeant
12-31-2007, 15:32
Ladies and gents the outpouring of support for this young Marine is great. I'd recommend that we all use discretion and refrain from airing personal details of the Lawyer, given his propensity to look for legal actions.
I like this site and would hate for it to get shut down by this scumbag and his cronies.
Admins/Mods Please consider this as a kind gesture.
I think he is an oxygen theif looking to get rich off people.
You obviously have little understanding of my resolve in this matter.;)
Before that bottom feeder Jay M. Grodner shuts down this website I would be six feet under and I would not be alone.
You might now have a more enlightened understanding of who and what I am and my resolve.
Team Sergeant
You obviously have little understanding of my resolve in this matter.;)
Before that bottom feeder Jay M. Grodner shuts down this website I would be six feet under and I would not be alone.
You might now have a more enlightened understanding of who and what I am and my resolve.
Team Sergeant
I know better to question your resolve. I'm willing to go the extra miles needed to help out here. Besides I've seen what Team Sergeants are capable of, that is why I love my job, low BS factor.
Stepping back into my lane.
SSG B
I may be wrong, but I haven't seen anything posted of a personal nature that would be wrong. If the info is public record then no foul. Now all the posts recommending physical action might be out of order.
And I'm just as guilty Kyo :(
82ndtrooper
12-31-2007, 16:19
This Marine obviously exercised an awful lot of restraint during the incident. That' more charachter than I could have displayed.
This guy's phone numbers have all been disconnected. He's feeling the heat.:mad:
He would have gotten shot if it had been here. At least at my home. :munchin
Here's an update from someone at Free Republic who was at the court session today. I'm sure Blackfive will post additional updates. Sadly, the local news, though contacted by B5, did not air anything. Perhaps they are looking into it. :rolleyes:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1946463/posts
eyewitness | 12/31/07 | Stylin19a
Posted on 12/31/2007 1:47:08 PM PST by stylin19a
United States Marine Sgt. McNulty's car was keyed by Attorney Jay R Grodner on 12/01/07.
The Sgt.'s leave is over on January 2nd when he reports to Camp Pendleton before heading to Iraq for his 2nd deployment.
The hearing was scheduled for 12/31/07 @ 13:30. It was held at Circuit Court of Cook County - outlying court branch 29 -Belmont & Western, Chicago IL. This is 6 miles NW of downtown Chicago and approx 65 miles round trip from where I live.
Sgt. McNulty was in civvies. He was there with family & friends and his attorney.
There also appeared to be a couple of supporters sitting in the gallery.
I sat in the last row. With my eyesight & hearing shot, the following is the best I can make out.
The court is secured by the Cook County Sheriff's office The judge ( I didn't hear his name or see his nameplate) convened the court early - at 13:24. (Courtroom 29 - I believe it was Felony court)
Sgt. McNulty was called at 13:33. Jay R. Grodner was a no show. The judge issued a bench warrant for Mr. Grodner @ 13:36.
Sgt. McNulty filed the complaint and raised his hand and swore that it was true.
I thought that was the end of it, so I got up to leave and waited in the waiting area for the Sgt. to come out.
A Marine PFC, in dress blues, cut & razor sharp, walked in to lend his support.
Sgt. McNulty and his entourage came out, then was called back into the courtroom for about 10 minutes.
He came back out to leave. I met them outside. I gave Sgt. McNulty FRegards and a Semper Fi and told him we have his back and that thousands have his back.
He thanked us for the support.
Jay Grodner (or a representative) must have showed up, as, when I talked with the Sgt.'s attorney, he said Grodner wanted a continuance to get an attorney.
The case was continued and will go to fruition and Sgt. McNulty wont have to re-appear.
Based on the somber mood of the situation, I decided not to take pictures.
If anybody else was there, maybe they can fill in more blanks.
Ladies and gents the outpouring of support for this young Marine is great. I'd recommend that we all use discretion and refrain from airing personal details of the Lawyer, given his propensity to look for legal actions.
Oh, his contact info is plastered all over...seeing as he's listed his business publicly. Errr....did, seems all contact info is no good now.
Besides it isn't like anyone is trying to ruin his reputation based on rumor or hearsay... ;)
I'll bet on TS, every time. :D
Well, sure enough-I've confirmed that this is the same Mike I know...small world.
P36, if you are in touch with him please let him know I wish him all the best with this...and to be safe during his deployment.
Ambush Master
12-31-2007, 22:45
You obviously have little understanding of my resolve in this matter.;)
Before that bottom feeder Jay M. Grodner shuts down this website I would be six feet under and I would not be alone.
You might now have a more enlightened understanding of who and what I am and my resolve.
Team Sergeant
HERE HERE!!!!!!
Martin
Gypsy, I'll do that and point him toward this thread.
P36
Food for thought.....
I hate to be the "Black Cloud" on this subject, but, the Marine could be in trouble himself.
He's admitted (I presume) that he "backed up down a One-Way street to get into that empty parking spot in front of his friends house". Had he not done that in the first place, this POS lawyer guy, probably wouldn't have come out and did what he did.
The courts, I have been finding out lately, don't look at things the way we do. Sure, the actions of this Lawyer guy were wrong, and IMO needs his 4th POC handed to him, but the judge may not just see the Marines side of this. He will undoubtedly look at the fact, that the Marine himself, did in fact break the law, by backing up down the One-Way street.
The judge may just say, after hearing later testimony, "Marine, you did wrong. POS lawyer, you did wrong. Insurance company, pay for the damages. Case dismissed."
my $.02
What does our "Legal Contingente" think of this? A.L., E.L., et.al.....any thoughts?
The Reaper
01-01-2008, 10:13
Food for thought.....
I hate to be the "Black Cloud" on this subject, but, the Marine could be in trouble himself.
He's admitted (I presume) that he "backed up down a One-Way street to get into that empty parking spot in front of his friends house". Had he not done that in the first place, this POS lawyer guy, probably wouldn't have come out and did what he did.
The courts, I have been finding out lately, don't look at things the way we do. Sure, the actions of this Lawyer guy were wrong, and IMO needs his 4th POC handed to him, but the judge may not just see the Marines side of this. He will undoubtedly look at the fact, that the Marine himself, did in fact break the law, by backing up down the One-Way street.
The judge may just say, after hearing later testimony, "Marine, you did wrong. POS lawyer, you did wrong. Insurance company, pay for the damages. Case dismissed."
my $.02
What does our "Legal Contingente" think of this? A.L., E.L., et.al.....any thoughts?
I do not think that a traffic offense has been charged here, nor is Sgt McNulty on trial.
The traffic offense is not justification for malicious damage to the Marine's property. Period.
TR
State's Atty to pursue.... the latest update is from Blackfive's blog site.
Update 12-31-07 2000 CST: A Blackfive reader sends this update about the hearing today...
Attn: Black Five
I am writing to produce an update of the results of Sgt McNulty's case against Jay R Grodner. I was present in support of Mike and thought you may be interested in an update for this story.
Sgt McNulty was called forward by the State's Attorney in order to discuss the case. I am not sure what transpired behind the closed doors, however, I overheard the State's Attorney expressing her intent to prosecute this guy to the fullest extent. It seems as if BlackFive is the sole catalyst to this story getting out and I am sure Sgt McNulty has probably heard the effect of yours and other blogs from the results of today's proceedings to include several Marines and civilians who showed up in his support.
Jay R Grodner was called before court and in his absence, the Judge issued a warrant for his arrest effective immediately. Sgt McNulty was departing the court when Grodner rolled in to the courtroom more pathetic than anyone I had ever seen. The Judge had questioned him on his tardiness and he explained that traffic had been busy and he 'made a wrong turn'. The Judge chastised him for his tardiness, pathetic excuses, and that he was lucky the warrant had not been executed prior to his arrival.
It seems the blogosphere has put the ball in Sgt McNulty's court. Furthermore, it is also apparent that the State's Attorney's Office has decided to take this matter on a much more serious level. A new and very aggressive State's Attorney seems to have a genuine interest in pursuing this case to the extent that it warrants.
A lot of good people deserve our thanks today. Thousands responded with emails and phone calls and some even went to support Mike at the hearing. Thank you. I've said it before and I'll say it again - Blackfive and military blogs have the best readers on the planet - we really are a true community.
Food for thought.....
S...one has nothing to do with the other, the Sergeant was upfront with everything in his report and if the LEO thought it necessary they probably would have already cited him. I don't believe the reason the POS did this was because the Marine backed up down a one way street...
Based on this POS's background I've a feeling they want the lawyer more. ;)
warrottjr
01-01-2008, 11:43
the judge may not just see the Marines side of this. He will undoubtedly look at the fact, that the Marine himself, did in fact break the law, by backing up down the One-Way street."But, your honor, I was only going one way!"
S...one has nothing to do with the other, the Sergeant was upfront with everything in his report and if the LEO thought it necessary they probably would have already cited him. I don't believe the reason the POS did this was because the Marine backed up down a one way street...
Based on this POS's background I've a feeling they want the lawyer more. ;)
Trust me, I'd love nothing more than to see this Lawyer guy get his 4th POC handed him and he spend time as someones "bubba Boy" in the pen but, Even though the Marine hasn't been charged, this could be something that comes up in the hearing.
I'm just saying.......
"But, your honor, I was only going one way!"
:D :D :D
The hearing was yesterday S, I'm sure it would have been brought up then if it was an issue. ;) At least I'd think so.
NousDefionsDoc
01-01-2008, 18:55
Update 12-31-07 1000 CST: The hearing is today. After about four hundred emails offering help, I've taken down the email address for now. If I haven't sent you a reply, I apologize and hopefully will send one soon.
I will post updates as they occur. There are several options and we'll see what happens in court first before Mike decides on the next move.
And, BTW, a sincere thanks to all the Chicago Police Officers for their advice and offers.
Let me be clear. I do not want anyone to harass the lawyer, threaten him, damage his property or propose any other illegal suggestion. We can win this one clean and fair - one way or another...
Update 12-31-07 2000 CST: A Blackfive reader sends this update about the hearing today...
Attn: Black Five
I am writing to produce an update of the results of Sgt McNulty's case against Jay R Grodner. I was present in support of Mike and thought you may be interested in an update for this story.
Sgt McNulty was called forward by the State's Attorney in order to discuss the case. I am not sure what transpired behind the closed doors, however, I overheard the State's Attorney expressing her intent to prosecute this guy to the fullest extent. It seems as if BlackFive is the sole catalyst to this story getting out and I am sure Sgt McNulty has probably heard the effect of yours and other blogs from the results of today's proceedings to include several Marines and civilians who showed up in his support.
Jay R Grodner was called before court and in his absence, the Judge issued a warrant for his arrest effective immediately. Sgt McNulty was departing the court when Grodner rolled in to the courtroom more pathetic than anyone I had ever seen. The Judge had questioned him on his tardiness and he explained that traffic had been busy and he 'made a wrong turn'. The Judge chastised him for his tardiness, pathetic excuses, and that he was lucky the warrant had not been executed prior to his arrival.
It seems the blogosphere has put the ball in Sgt McNulty's court. Furthermore, it is also apparent that the State's Attorney's Office has decided to take this matter on a much more serious level. A new and very aggressive State's Attorney seems to have a genuine interest in pursuing this case to the extent that it warrants.
A lot of good people deserve our thanks today. Thousands responded with emails and phone calls and some even went to support Mike at the hearing. Thank you. I've said it before and I'll say it again - Blackfive and military blogs have the best readers on the planet - we really are a true community.
And, long time regular TB, sends this link to a Free Republic reader who also attended the hearing and provides a report.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to ring in the New Year. Twelve years ago, Mrs. Blackfive (before the "Mrs.") and I had our first date, and our first kiss was at midnight. We have a tradition to maintain.
Thank you! And have a Happy New Year!
From Blackfive
Remington Raidr
01-01-2008, 19:00
Trust me, I'd love nothing more than to see this Lawyer guy get his 4th POC handed him and he spend time as someones "bubba Boy" in the pen but, Even though the Marine hasn't been charged, this could be something that comes up in the hearing.
I'm just saying.......
backing illegally=ordinance violation, fine
FELONY criminal damage to property=crime, fine and/or jail or prison, stayed and put on probation.
That is one FUGLY MF. I think he expected instant retaliation so he could play the victim of a fanatic and have something to talk about. The Marine fucked up that plan by "holding fire".
Team Sergeant
01-03-2008, 08:55
Thank you John Kass
and
www.blackfive.net
www.chicagotribune.com
For Marine's sendoff, his car is keyed
John Kass
January 3, 2008
Marine Sgt. Michael McNulty -- now on his way to Iraq for his second tour of duty in the war -- took meticulous care of his car.
It is a black two-door BMW, an expensive ride for a young Marine from Chicago, but then, McNulty didn't exactly join up for the big paycheck and luxury vacations.
The 26-year-old McNulty was a trader at the exchange and enlisted in the Reserves after 9/11. He babied his car so much that he had military vanity plates along with a sticker in his window that let people know that a Marine or a Marine supporter drove that car.
continued;
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass_03jan03,1,7001029.column
Excellent, glad to see the local press finally picked this up...no doubt due to the efforts of B5 et al in contacting the medias.
I think I shall write to Mr. Kass to thank him, and ask him to keep on this and write about updates as they occur.
So...the POS went to court today. Turns out the Judge is a Marine. :D :lifter
Here's the recap below. From what I've read in comments, this particular judgement against the POS was a criminal penalty (for vandalism). It looks like the Sergeant can also file a civil suit. I also read in the comments he received 1200.00 plus court costs... The state's atty may be seeking a felony upgrade as well.
First...from Blackfive:
Posted By Blackfive
[Updates are at the end of the post. A Commenter is posting updates from court room. Grodner arrested, pled guilty, has 30 hours of community service and a $600 fine to be paid to the Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund.]
See this post for background - Anti-Military Lawyer Damages Marine's Car on Eve of Deployment
The court date is set for tomorrow, January 18th, at 1330 hours at the District 29 Court House on Belmont and Western. Unfortunately, I can't be there, but I will post updates when I get them.
Chicago Tribune's John Kass has two editorials on the case here and here.
This whole incident started and will end with one man - Jay Grodner. I hope he does the right thing by the Marine. This could all be over tomorrow...or not.
In case you were wondering, this case was brought to my attention and I tried, TRIED, to get anyone in the media to take the ball and run with it. Offered exclusivity, contacts, photos, reports, etc.
For a variety of reasons, no one wanted it.
So, as a resort of last measure, I posted it here at Blackfive (in the Bust Their Chops category) and emailed it to a few Marines I knew who would get the story out on their networks (thank you, Seamus, Jay and Joe). After thousands of emails, hundreds of comments, many offers of support (financial and moral), a few threats, and finally media interest, this story was one of the first big blogosphere efforts of 2008.
It got noticed everywhere.
Thank you to John Kass for covering the story. If you are so inclined, send him a thank you message for covering the story fairly.
In the end, though, it was the military family that brought this story to national attention. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines - us doggies, squids, zoomies, and jarheads - that refused to let this abuse go unnoticed. This is one of those times where we dropped the inter-service rivalry and stepped up for one of our own.
Civilian America rallied to our cause, too. I can't tell you how many emails I received from civilians in support of Sergeant McNulty. The reaction of Chicago Police and Firemen backing the Sergeant was astounding. Tons, and I mean tons, of lawyers sent offers to work pro bono and messages of support and advice for the Sergeant. I almost take back every negative thing I've said about their profession.
And, last...the most magnificent reaction was from the Viet Nam veterans. It was the most intense response from them that I've witnessed in a long time. I received more email - full of emotion and commitment - from Viet Nam vets that essentially said in various ways:
"We will not let what happened to us, happen to you, Marine."
I do not pretend to know what will happen tomorrow in court. Attorney Jay Grodner had asked for a continuance so that he could bring in some hired guns.
But I do know that my brothers that fought in Viet Nam are right.
We won't let this happen to you, Sergeant McNulty.
Update 230PM: As Commenter wp91 wrote:
The case was called at 13:33, and the Defendant did not show up. There were 2 heavy hitter State's Attorneys here to handle it. The Judge increased his bond to $20,000.00 or 10 percent cash, and put out a warrant for his arrest.
The Defendant called at 13:40 to say that he will be a half an hout late and was waiting for the media to leave. The Judge said in open court that if he does shows up he will be taken into custody, and if he doesn't he is fair game for any law enforcement agency that wants to pick him up. Will report further developments as warranted.
And I heard that Grodner was arrested upon showing up!
Update: Source says Grodner pled guilty, will pay $600 to Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund. The judge gave Grodner a history lesson about the Marines and finished with explaining why Marines have each others' backs
This is from a person who was at court, and posted in the comment section.
The update: At 1400 hours the defendant showed up, and was told that he was half an hour late. The Judge stated on the record that the defendant had done the same thing during the previous court date, and he said that the defendant called and said that wanted to wait for the media to leave. The Judge said "That is not the way I run my courtroom." He increased the bail and took him into custody and told him to try and work out a deal with the State. About 25-35 marines and assorted military were there.
The case was recalled at 14:22, and the State said that the defendant had asked for permission to put his belt and such back on. The Judge said, "Treat him like all the other prisoners." The defendant was brought out and the plea deal that they had worked out was entered into the record.
The Judge asked him if he had committed the specific acts he was accused of. The defendant hemmed and hawed, and the Judge raised his voice to make him say yes or no. The defendant agreed, and the Judge read the facts into the record. Several times, the Judge said if there were no deal, he would be given a court date just like any other defendant, and he could try and make bail soon.
The deal: 1 year Social Service Supervision, restitution of 600 dollars to be paid to Social Services and which would go to the Injured Marine Semper Fi fund, to be paid by February 25th, 2008, and $50/month in supervision fees.
The Judge then, in as angry a voice as I have ever heard him use, scolded the defendant, saying that the Marine license plates the complaining witness had were not vanity plates or about ego, but the proceeds go toward the Marine and Navy scholarship fund for the children of fallen soldiers, sailors and marines. These Marines protect his very existence "so people like you can enjoy their freedom." He further said that the reason there were so many in the courtroom and so much public interest is that the Marines have a tradition since 1775 that "No Marine gets left behind." Several Hoorahs in the courtroom.
And then the deal was done, and he was taken away by the sheriffs to be released later.
If there are any questions, I can try and answer them...
Matta mile
01-18-2008, 20:16
Gypsy,
Thanks very much for the update. Glad it turned out as it did albeit light. I hope the costs to his business make up the balance.
MM
You're welcome Matta mile...something tells me this "lawyer" won't have much of a business left. ;)
Team Sergeant
01-18-2008, 20:32
Thank you Gypsy for the update, it made my day!;)
Team Sergeant
warrottjr
01-18-2008, 20:36
Grodner should have gotten the waterboard.
Thank you Gypsy, Made my day too. Thank you Chicago.
Semper Fi
Hollis
Great news Gypsy
Thanks for sharing
I still say he should receive the a$$ kicking of the new century!!
My pleasure, Gentlemen! I hope Mr. Kass will be following up with another report in the Trib, I'll look for it over the next few days.
Speaking of Mr Kass, this article was written several days after the original that Team Sergeant posted the beginning of January, and obviously prior to today's hearing.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass_11_jan11,0,4431313.column
Marine has vocal fans, but lawyer mum
John Kass
January 11, 2008
Many readers -- including just about every active and retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps -- have demanded an update about the case of the Chicago lawyer accused of keying a Marine sergeant's black and shiny BMW.
So here goes.
Lawyer Jay R. Grodner, 55, is set to appear in court next week to answer the criminal charges against him, and those charges could be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony.
And sources told me Thursday that the state agency that researches complaints against lawyers has opened another investigation of Grodner.
The young Marine, Sgt. Michael McNulty, 26, is not expected to show in court because he has been called up for his second tour of duty in Iraq.
Marines, retired Marines, other active and retired U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families -- those who support the war as well as those who are opposed -- have e-mailed their support to McNulty.
On a Saturday morning in early December, McNulty was driving to meet a friend for breakfast before leaving town for his second tour. He missed a turn, backed up his car and parked in the driveway of his friend's building on the North Side.
As he stood at the front door -- telling his friend to come downstairs -- his car was being defaced, with a long scratch, and Jay Grodner was standing there with his dog, allegedly with his hands on the car, while making anti-Marine and anti-military comments before police arrived.
Then police showed up, and Grodner allegedly kept yakking about his negative feelings toward the military. In an earlier court appearance, Grodner is reported to have said he wouldn't make things easy for McNulty, who was leaving town.
It's not the case of the century, but it has captured the hearts of many readers.
Some want to fix McNulty's car for free, so he can sell it. Others offered to purchase the vehicle. Several BMW dealers -- not wanting their names in the paper -- have offered to make McNulty happy in any way possible, from fixing the car to buying it. And other lawyers are offering their legal services, if McNulty wants to pursue a civil suit.
Grodner is now under investigation by the state's Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, sources said. Commission officials declined to comment Thursday.
More than two decades ago, according to public records, Grodner received a censure by the Illinois Supreme Court after an unrelated investigation by the disciplinary commission into allegations he participated in producing phony signatures on a tax ballot initiative.
I'm told Grodner became a divorce lawyer, a career path which, if you do your job properly, angers half the people you know. In this, it's sort of like being a newspaper columnist, but I don't have to deal with who gets the dog or the CD collection, the plasma TV or that priceless Bavarian percolator (made in China) that she picked up on the honeymoon.
Unfortunately, Grodner continues to avoid my phone calls. I'm sure he's not as terrible as some blogs portray him to be. Perhaps he's completely innocent, or a fellow who made a mistake. Or perhaps he is an angry anti-war lawyer who protested by ruining the finish of the Marine's car. I don't know. Either way, he's not calling to explain.
Not many folks defend Grodner, but a few readers have called, saying he's not some ogre, but a man with passionate feelings who has recently run into some difficult circumstances, including filing for bankruptcy in 2004.
Even attorneys need attorneys, so we called one. I heard that former Chicago Police Supt. Richard Brzeczek had been retained by Grodner. We reached Brzeczek at his Florida condo, enjoying the weather, a fact that suggests at least one lawyer in this story is doing OK.
"Mr. Grodner has called. We talked once," said Brzeczek, who clearly understands the criminal justice system based on his tenure as a top cop.
"But he has not taken the proper steps to secure my counsel," Brzeczek said.
Brzeczek wouldn't elaborate on just how many "proper steps" Grodner must take, or what those "proper steps" might be.
I figure that "proper steps" involve zeros on a personal check that must clear before any legal brainstorming is done on Grodner's behalf. The case is a heater, which is odd for a misdemeanor, except that misdemeanors involving the keying of a Marine's car before he goes to Iraq are quite rare and capture the attention of military people, and their families, and their loved ones. So this thing is mushrooming on Grodner, even though he hasn't even been tried.
It also could mushroom from a misdemeanor to a felony.
McNulty's car has an estimated $2,400 in damage, well within the statutory range for felony criminal damage to property. The Cook County state's attorney's office declined any comment on whether the case will be upgraded. But they are pursuing the matter in preparation for the Jan. 18 hearing at Belmont and Western.
What's missing is Grodner's side of the story.
I hope he can start providing one.
In today's Chicago Trib...don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out, Grodner. :rolleyes:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-kass_bd_20jan20,0,1923633.story?coll=chi_tab01_lay out
Man who keyed car gets day in court; so do Marines
By John Kass | Tribune columnist
January 20, 2008
Jay Grodner, the Chicago lawyer who keyed a Marine's car in anger because the car had military plates and a Marine insignia, finally got his day in court last week.
Grodner pleaded guilty in a Chicago courtroom packed with former Marines. Some had Marine pins on their coats, or baseball jackets with the Marine insignia. They didn't yellor call him names. They came to support Marine Sgt. Michael McNulty, whose car Grodner defaced in December, but who couldn't attend because he's preparing for his second tour in Iraq.
Grodner was late to court for the second time in the case. Grodner called Assistant State's Attorney Patrick Kelly, (Marine Corps/Vietnam 1969-1972), informing Kelly that he would be late to court.
"He wanted to avoid the media," Kelly said Friday. "So he's coming a half hour late."
"I don't run my courtroom that way!" responded Judge William O'Malley, ordering Grodner be arrested and held on $20,000 bail when he arrived. Finally, Grodner strolled in. A short man, wide, wearing a black fedora, dark glasses, a divorce lawyer dressed like some tough guy in the movies.
Grodner told me he'd describe himself as a "radical liberal" who's ready to leave Chicago now with all this negative publicity and move to the south of France and do some traveling.
Judge O'Malley has also traveled, but in his youth. He was a police officer on the West Side during the riots before law school. And before that, he performed another public service. Judge O'Malley served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961-1964.
During the proceedings, the judge described the offense as anger rose in his voice, especially as Grodner started balking on a plea arrangement he'd made with prosecutors.
"Is this what you did? Yes or no," Judge O'Malley asked Grodner.
"Without knowing, yes," Grodner said, sticking to his I-might-have-done-it-but-didn't-really-mean-it defense.
O'Malley asked again, in a stronger voice, not that of a judge but of a cop on the street or a Marine who meant business.
"DID YOU KNOWINGLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THIS CAR?" O'Malley asked.
Grodner bowed his head, meekly, and responded in an equally meek voice:
"Yes," he said.
After the admission, came the details and Grodner was lucky, getting off with a misdemeanor and no jail time, and not a felony even though he caused $2,400 in damage to Sgt. McNulty's car.
So Grodner received a $600 fine, which will go to a Marine charity, 30 hours of community service and a year of court supervision. If he doesn't pay up in a month, the judge promised to put him in jail for a year.
Judge O'Malley had something to say. He looked out into his courtroom, at all those men who'd come to support a Marine they didn't know.
"You caused damage to this young Marine sergeant's car because you were offended by his Marine Corps license plates," said Judge O'Malley.
Grodner stood there, hands behind his back. He grasped the fingers of his left hand with his right, and held it there, so they wouldn't wiggle.
"You're probably also wondering why there was a whole crowd of people here, Mr. Grodner," said Judge O'Malley.
"I don't want to wonder," said Grodner, continuing in his new meek voice, not in his tough divorce lawyer voice, but the gentle, inside voice he'd just learned.
"That's because there is a little principle that the Marine Corps has had since 1775," the judge continued. "When they fought and lost their lives so that people like you could enjoy the freedom of this country. It is a little proverb that we follow:
"No Marine is left behind.
"So Sgt. McNulty couldn't be here. But other Marines showed up in his stead. Take him away," said the judge and former Marine.
They took Grodner away, he was processed, and everyone left. The lobby was dark, quiet, except for two court deputies running the metal detector. Then Grodner came through an inside door, put his fedora back on, the dark glasses, a tough guy again.
We stood outside, in the parking lot, talking for 20 minutes. He smoked, and I didn't. He explained that he wasn't anti-military and why he pleaded guilty.
"The judge, he's the guy with the black robes," Grodner said. He could have been slapped with a felony, but Sgt. McNulty's family said they wanted to put this behind them and let it go as a misdemeanor. Grodner showed no remorse, and I asked if he'd apologize.
"Yes, I'd say, 'I'm sorry if I scratched your car.' It escalated. That's when he wanted me locked up and thrown away," said Grodner, always the victim.
Grodner tells me he plans to leave for the French Riviera and get some sun.
Sgt. McNulty will get some sun, too. In Iraq.
Big Daddy
01-19-2008, 12:24
You mightbe interested in knowing that the Judge is a Marine and a retired Chicago Police Officer.