Drew Peterson can have cars, computers back
Drew Peterson emerged from a Joliet courtroom today with a judge's order that cars and computers seized by authorities be returned to him.
The former Bolingbrook sergeant has denied involvement in the disappearance of his wife, Stacy, who hasn't been seen since October, and hasn't been charged in the case.
Under Will County Judge Richard Schoenstedt's order, Peterson can pick up his GMC Yukon Denali and Pontiac Grand Prix on Tuesday, and he can get his computers along with copies of the hard drives within 15 days.
The judge, however, said he needs more time to consider a request from Peterson attorney Joel Brodsky, who suggested weapons taken from the retired police officer be given to Peterson's son, who is a police officer.
"Drew is very pleased that he's getting his property back," Brodsky said after the hearing. "The judge has reviewed the secret testimony of the state, he looked at the affidavits, and still found there was no compelling reason for the state to retain the property any longer."
During the brief hearing, Peterson also agreed not to challenge the validity of more than 200 digital photographs of his cars and other property. Schoenstedt said last month that would be a condition of returning the items.
Dressed in a dark suit, Peterson said little in court, answering "yes your honor" to a number of judge's questions about his agreement not to challenge the photographs, whether it was his signature on the agreement, and whether he understood what he was signing and if he had enough time to study it.
Peterson left the courthouse as he came -- through a basement rather through the front door -- because, as his attorney explained, he has received death threats. But he appeared relaxed in court and when he left in a car.
He did not answer questions from reporters.
Since Stacy Peterson vanished in October, authorities also reopened the investigation into the death of Kathleen Savio, another one of Drew Peterson's wives, whose body was found in her bathtub in 2004. Her death initially was ruled an accident but prosecutors recently had Savio's body exhumed and, after another autopsy, her death was ruled a homicide. Drew Peterson has not been named a suspect.
Peterson -- who, until today, had not set foot in a courtroom in either case -- has denied involvement in both.
Peterson may have moved a step closer to getting his 11 guns back when Brodsky proposed they be held by his adult son while Peterson appeals the revocation of his Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card. In Illinois, a valid FOID card is needed to possess guns.
But Schoenstedt balked at the proposal, saying he does not have jurisdiction over Peterson's son and wants to ensure any order he issues can be enforced. Brodsky said Peterson's son would be willing to appear in court and agree to abide by the judge's order.
Schoenstedt set a March 25 hearing date on the matter.
Also Monday, Brodsky said he was headed to probate court to file an objection to a petition by Savio's family to reopen the woman's estate. Brodsky said he will argue that the statute of limitations ran out 2 years ago.