Cook County Prosecutors Step Down Amid Controversy in Their Positions

The Cook County District Attorney’s Office is grappling with another reorganization following the sudden resignations of two veteran prosecutors. Andrew Varga and John Maher, who both served as deputy supervisors in the Complex Homicide and Gangs Unit, have unexpectedly left their positions. Their departures add to the significant changing of the guard during the current administration, led by District Attorney Kim Foxx. According to CWB Chicago, the reasons behind their resignations remain unknown to the office’s spokesperson.

The exits come after a tumultuous period for the prosecution. Varga was preparing to preside over a high-profile case that was expected to begin jury selection early this month. His career, however, has not been untouched by controversy. A previous high-stakes case he worked on, involving the accused killers of Chicago police officer Clifton Lewis, was mired in allegations of evidence suppression, ultimately leading to dropped charges against two defendants and a federal lawsuit. In connection with that case, Varga’s former co-counsel, Nancy Adduci, has filed a lawsuit alleging she was fired on discriminatory grounds, as reported by CWB Chicago.

Meanwhile, Maher’s contributions include leading a racketeering investigation into the Black Souls street gang and prosecuting a gunman who killed CPD Commander Paul Bauer. Of his retirement, Maher told the Chicago Sun-Times, “I’m proud of all the work I’ve done for the community and the office. And I leave with my principles intact and my head held high.” His departure coincides in time with Varga’s, though he has declined to provide reasons for his simultaneous retirement.

Nancy Adduci’s lawsuit raises serious allegations against Foxx’s office. Adduci alleges that she was demoted and then fired because of her race and age, and claims that she was replaced by an attorney with significantly less experience in criminal law. Adduci suggests that her firing was a form of retaliation for standing up to discriminatory actions within the office, as detailed by CWB Chicago. This implies that the office may have attempted to present leadership that was ostensibly more reflective of the community, at the expense of experience.