Drew Peterson: Judge Policandriotes denies request to lower bond

May 22, 2009

Drew Peterson posts: update 5-22
New judge appointed in Peterson case
Peterson defense filing immediate appeal

Updated 4pm, 7pm

Source: CLTV

Drew Peterson hearing today.

Judge Carla Alessio Policandriotes denied Peterson’s request to lower bond. It remains at $20 million and he in jail.

Judge Policandriotes was described as firm, strict, fair and possessive of a brilliant legal mind.

JOEL BRODSKY said it will be the Judge’s first case. He raised the issue of whether she should recuse herself [different post] and has 9 days in which to decide whether to bring a motion.

Will County State’s Attorney JAMES GLASGOW alleged:

• DREW PETERSON tried to pay somebody $25K to kill Kathleen Savio in 2003.

• No details about the solicitation.

• PETERSON told a fellow police officer that he would be better off if Savio was dead because he would be financially ruined with the pending divorce.

• Three weeks later KATHLEEN SAVIO was dead – murdered March 1, 2004.

• PETERSON told a different officer in 2003 that: “My life would be easier if she were just dead.”

First I’ve heard of the murder for hire.

Brodsky said he had heard something about it early on.

First time the Savio family had heard of it.

KATHLEEN SAVIO’S sister:

It was the first time we ever heard anything like that. It was a shock to us, and brought tears to our eyes, but we had to control ourselves and hope that it would turn out ok, and it did.

JAMES GLASGOW argued that Drew Peterson, in his former life as a Bolingbrook police officer, was highly-trained in weapons and undercover disguises and could easily disappear and be a threat to the community. He said if Peterson posted bail, it “would come from blood money from Kathleen Savio.”

GLASGOW: We followed the statute and presented what was required in order to make a proper argument on behalf of the people and the judge was satisfied with what we presented. I believe that’s why she kept the bond at $20 million.

We’re obviously, we’re pleased with Judge Policandriotes’ ruling today to keep the bond at $20M. I believe it’s appropriate in keeping with other bonds that have been set in this county and the facts and circumstances of this case and we’re looking forward to proceeding to trial in this matter. Thank you.

Wouldn’t answer question whether solicitation was going to be added to the charges.

Stacy Peterson family and Savio families are giving statements.[separate posts] Needless to say both are more than pleased Peterson will remain in jail. He quite possibly could never again be a free man.

Peterson’s appearance and demeanor were said to have noticeably changed and that he appeared “somber” in his blue jail scrubs during the proceedings – although he was spotted “laughing with his attorneys” before they began.

Savio family doesn’t think he has changed.

Next court date: June 17th.