A Tazewell County judge is loosening the protective orders keeping some information in the civil lawsuits filed against Pekin's Reditus Laboratories and its CEO Aaron Rossi out of the public eye.
Judge Chris Doscotch granted the central Illinois media's petition to intervene in the case, noting the increased public interest in the cases since the protective orders were first filed. That includes Rossi's indictment earlier this year on federal tax fraud charges dating back to the time before Reditus' foundation.
"I clearly believe there's a balancing of private lawsuit interests and the public's need for information. And there is a distinction between discovery and pleadings," said Doscotch.
The media will be allowed access to most pleadings and attachments, but not certain impounded pleadings or discovery documents. It's unclear to what degree the media will be able to access a second amended complaint filed in March.
The receivership now managing Reditus Labs has 40 days to file objections to the release of the information orders issued on April 6 and April 14. Doscotch said those orders may have "legitimate privacy interests" at play that merit consideration.
Going forward, Doscotch said motions to file impounded or redacted documents will need to be filed in open court.
A motion hearing is set for this Friday. No contested issues are set for discussion.
