Judge limits Drew Peterson publicity

By DON BABWIN

Associated Press Writer

Chicago Tribune

June 3, 2009

JOLIET, Ill. - A judge on Wednesday sought to control publicity of the Drew Peterson murder case, after prosecutors complained the former suburban Chicago police officer and his lawyers have turned the case into a media circus.

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Will County Judge Stephen White ordered Peterson's lawyers to give him a list of family, friends and attorneys that Peterson calls from the Will County Adult Detention Facility. If Peterson wants to call somebody who is not on the list, he has to get permission, White said.

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White also ordered that all attorneys in the case must notify him and the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of any interviews and send copies of press releases. "If you are going to do an interview, I would like to be informed (beforehand) as to the time and place," White said.

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The judge's order came a week after Peterson called a radio show from jail and cracked jokes about prison showers, a "Win a Conjugal Visit with Drew" contest and the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio...

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Both Peterson and Savio's family have hired publicists. The publicity threatens the ability for a fair trial, said Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow, who said he has limited speaking out on the case. "This is the place to put a cap on it," he said of pretrial publicity. "I'm trying to protect the jury pool here."

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Brodsky countered that he needs to be able to talk to the media, saying publicity might prompt potential witnesses to come forward with relevant information. Glasgow also sought to limit Peterson's contact visits after reports surfaced that he had played cards with one of his attorneys in jail. White denied the motion, but he made it clear that he didn't think playing cards was appropriate and Peterson would have to follow jail rules. "There won't be any more card games," said Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupas after the court hearing.

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The judge set an Aug. 24 trial date. Brodsky, who can ask for a continuance, said it was a realistic date as long as Peterson is in custody. White also ordered the names of witnesses and potential witnesses be sealed. In some cases witness lists are public information. There are several hundred witnesses and potential witnesses, Brodsky said after court.

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Glasgow said he expects the defense to move for a change of venue because of the publicity. Brodsky did not address the change of venue, but has said the defense is considering that. He said Wednesday that solitary confinement has been difficult for Peterson, who has been held away from other prisoners after his May 7 arrest. "It has an effect on his psyche, no question about it," Brodsky said. Ahh. tsk.