Cook County Bench: Judge Retained Despite High-Profile Release
Voters approved the continuation of Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez's tenure, a decision that follows her release of a defendant with over 70 prior arrests.
By Anthony Lawson ·
Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez will remain on the Cook County bench for another six years after 71% of voters approved her retention on Tuesday. The result keeps the judge in her position despite public scrutiny over her handling of a defendant with a long criminal record.
Molina-Gonzalez released David Reed last year to an ankle monitor. The decision was tied to a separate violent incident. Reed has been arrested more than 70 times. His release occurred the same year he allegedly set Bethany MaGee on fire aboard a CTA Blue Line train.
MaGee suffered burns to more than half her body in that attack. She spoke for the first time following the election results. In a statement, MaGee said, "I hope the women of Chicago will be kept safe from attacks by repeat offenders." Her family told CBS News Chicago that she is progressing slowly but steadily a couple of months after the incident.
Amy Eck, another victim, said Reed punched her in the face outside her Loop office building in 2021. Eck said the case was dropped after prosecutors told her Reed needed treatment. "I mean, just based on that alone, no, that poor girl, I mean, that judge is lucky she didn't die," Eck said. She believes voters need more education on the judges they serve.
University of Chicago political science professor John Mark Hansen described these judicial elections as low information contests. He noted that most Cook County voters know little about the candidates and have little incentive to research them. Hansen said he leaves most of these spots blank on his ballot. He follows a rule where he checks bar association recommendations and votes against any judge not listed as qualified.
The Chicago Bar Association said 75,000 people used its website this election, about 10% of Cook County voters. The group evaluates judges through a questionnaire and interview. It gave Molina-Gonzalez a qualified rating for retention. The association stated that while a specific ruling can be part of public discussion, one decision does not provide a complete picture of a judge's qualifications.
