Chicago Judge Kenneth Wright Investigated Over Residence Rule

A state disciplinary board is investigating Cook County Judge E. Kenneth Wright, who is accused of taking inappropriate homestead and senior tax exemptions on a house he owned in Will County.

Wright, 83, oversees more than 40 other judges in Chicago’s housing, evictions and small claims courts. He also rules on property ownership disputes and defects in deeds and chains of title, Injustice Watch reported. The investigation came about after the outlet’s reporting on Wright’s residence in Will County.

Judges are required to live in the jurisdictions in which they preside. Wright has said the Will County home where he took the exemptions was the residence of his wife, but such exemptions can only be taken at a homeowner’s primary residence.

Wright, who has been in office for 30 years, will retain his role as presiding judge of Cook County’s First Municipal District while the investigation proceeds.

The investigation also complicates Wright’s judicial retention race. As of Wednesday, Wright held 62.8 percent of the vote, just above the required 60 percent for retention, with thousands of ballots still being counted. Another judge, Shannon O’Malley, who faced similar residency concerns, was also referred to the board and is losing his retention vote.

The disciplinary referrals were issued by Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans and highlight questions about Wright’s long-standing ties to Will County. Records show that Wright had a Will County driver’s license for over 40 years. Although Wright recently revoked his homestead exemption in the county, professional associations have expressed concerns over his compliance with residency requirements. The Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association ultimately advised against his retention, a reversal from their prior support.

Wright, appointed in 1994 and presiding judge since 2003, is known for rulings supportive of tenant rights and protections for seniors and people with disabilities. His career has been marked by leadership roles in prominent legal associations, including past presidency of the Chicago Bar Association.

—Rachel Stone