Ex-judge Hogan on trial in Greylord bribery case

Former Cook County Circuit Judge Martin F. Hogan Jr. spentnearly $14,000 in bribes to maintain a 35-foot cabin cruiser andinvest in real estate, a federal prosecutor charged Tuesday.

"The evidence is simple, straightforward and overwhelming,"Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Mendeloff told a jury at the opening ofHogan's Operation Greylord trial. "He took bribes on many, manyoccasions and the bribes were in cash."

But defense attorney Patrick Tuite portrayed Hogan as aconscientious, honest jurist laboring in the rat and roach infested,11th floor Auto Theft courtroom where he served for two years. Tuitesaid Hogan never took a bribe, but received money from the late …