The Block Club Chicago Podcast Will The State's Attorney Charge Fed Officials After Midway Blitz?
Mar 17, 2026
Mike Leonard, a federal defense attorney who analyzes prosecutions and immunity, breaks down who can charge federal agents and why jurisdiction matters. He walks through grand juries, prosecutorial discretion, and limits on local investigations. The conversation covers calls for a special prosecutor and why federal courts often handle these cases.
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What The Cook County State's Attorney Actually Does
- Cook County State's Attorney oversees prosecutions and decides charges for crimes in the county.
- Mike Leonard explains the office approves arrests, chooses charges or no charges, and can initiate investigations that lead to prosecutions.
Why A County Prosecutor Might Decline A Big Investigation
- County prosecutors have wide discretion but must weigh resources and legal feasibility before launching large investigations.
- Mike Leonard says O'Neill Burke likely avoided leading an investigation because of limited resources and probable immunity hurdles for federal agents.
Civil Rights Firms Fuel Calls For Special Prosecutors
- Private civil rights firms often drive public calls for criminal investigations.
- Leonard highlights Lobey and Lobey pushing for a special prosecutor, aligning with their mission and civil-rights litigation interests.