Ex-congressman tells judge he’s not returning from Africa

CHICAGO (AP)—A former Illinois congressman free on bond in a federal tax case says he won’t comply with a federal judge’s insistence that he return to Chicago from a trip to South Africa.
Mel Reynolds told the judge in an open letter Thursday that he’s staying abroad to care for his ailing daughter. He says she is suffering from curvature of the spine and may also have cervical cancer.
Reynolds also asked Judge John Darrah “to show some compassion and understand.’’
Darrah on Wednesday refused Reynolds’ request for the court to let him stay abroad longer. Reynolds’ trial is set to start May 2.
The Illinois Democrat has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to file income tax returns.
(Information from: Chicago Tribune, https://www.chi­cago­tribune.com)
 
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