Lake County authorities are exploring whether the defense attorney representing Ronald Maas, who faces multiple charges including attempted murder of a police officer, may have to withdraw from the case because of a potential conflict of interest.
The Ingleside 18-year-old pleaded not guilty earlier this year to attempted murder and several other felony charges stemming from a November 2014 police chase through several Lake County communities, resulting in serious injuries to himself and others.
Maas, who was shot in the face prior to being captured, is charged with attempted murder, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated assault while operating a motor vehicle, aggravated DUI resulting in bodily harm, aggravated fleeing and eluding, and criminal damage to government property.
He also faces burglary charges from a previous incident, and that is what led to the possibility that defense attorney James Bertucci may have to withdraw from the case.
During a court hearing for Maas on Wednesday, Bertucci disclosed that he represented a victim in the previous burglary case, and has withdrawn from that case because of a potential conflict.
Judge Victoria Rossetti said she, Bertucci and the Lake County state’s attorney’s office would have to review the situation to see if there is any conflict involved with Bertucci continuing to represent Maas.
Assistant State’s Attorney Rod Drobinski said he would have to look into the information regarding the potential conflict before taking a position on the matter. Bertucci declined to comment after the hearing.
The next court date for Maas was set June 18.
Mass has been held in Lake County jail on $2 million bail since his release from the hospital following medical treatment resulting from the incident, which occurred during late evening Nov. 13 into early morning Nov. 14.
Maas was shot in the face by a police officer in the middle of the chase, in which he allegedly drove two stolen cars and wrecked both in crashes, one involving a head-on collision with another vehicle on Route 45 that seriously injured people in the other car, police said.
The attempted murder charge stems from an allegation that he almost struck a sheriff’s deputy who had to dive out of the way to avoid being hit by a truck Maas was driving in the Round Lake Heights area during the pursuit.
Prosecutors said that according to a 15-year-old female passenger who was with Maas that night, he had been smoking crack that afternoon, was drinking stolen liquor that evening and vowed not to “go back to jail.”
After his eventual arrest, his blood-alcohol content registered .139, and he tested positive for cannabis, cocaine and opiates, officials said.
At the time of his arrest, Maas was wanted on a felony warrant for the burglary case.
More Top Picks Best New Balance Shoes For Men
Twitter @jimnewton5