Gaskill case headed to grand jury

• Reprints

Robert Gaskill

Updated: February 22, 2012 12:14PM

Robert Gaskill, the River Forest foster paraent who is accused of molesting two children in his care, appeared before a judge Feb. 9 and learned his case will be presented to a grand jury.

Judge William H. Wise continued Gaskill’s case until Feb. 24, at which time he said he expected the two charges of predatory criminal sexual assault lodged against Gaskill to be replaced by a superceding direct indictment.

Two River Forest police officers who had been in court earlier left, prior to Gaskill appearing, apparently after being informed their testimony would not be required Thursday morning.

Deputy Chief Craig Rutz said Thursday that his department is continuing its investigation and does not expect it to conclude for some time.

Gaskill’s wife, Mary Case Gaskill, was accompanied in the court gallery by three dozen family members and friends. They waited an hour for Gaskill to appear due to a delay in the bus from Cook County Jail, where he’s being held in lieu of a $50 million full cash bond.

Gaskill, dressed in a blue jail-issued jacket and loose yellow pants, stood between two bailiffs with his hands clasped behind his back.

His defense attorney, Kelly L. Seago, asked Judge Wise to allow Gaskill to be taken to a hospital for a prostate exam to screen for prostate cancer. She also asked that he be allowed eyeglasses so he could read his Bible.

As Gaskill left the courtroom escorted by guards, he looked over his shoulder and mouthed “I love you” to his wife. She and the other observers stood up and watched silently as Gaskill left the room. Tthey filed out slowly, some wiping away tears, others with pensive looks on their faces, and a couple with what appeared to be anger.

Prior to the court hearing, one man, who said he was present to offer support to Gaskill and his family, called the charges against Gaskill “trumped up.” However, he declined to be identified.

In the corridor outside the courtroom, Seago addressed the group, counseling caution.

Mentioning the presence of several reporters nearby, she said, “Our position at this point is we’re not saying anything. So let’s all stick to that.”