Embattled Chicago Judge Criticized for 1992 Property Transfer

A decades-old real estate transfer is at the center of the latest allegations of ethical lapses and financial conflicts for a prominent Cook County judge.

Troubling discrepancies regarding Judge E. Kenneth Wright Jr.’s county of residence and questionable real estate dealings during his time as a probate attorney add fuel to an ongoing state probe, Injustice Watch Now reported.

Illinois law mandates that judges must live within the jurisdiction where they preside, ensuring they remain connected to the communities they serve. But records show that Judge Wright, who has served in Cook County since 1994, claimed a primary residence in Joliet, located in neighboring Will County, by claiming property tax homestead exemptions there.

In addition to the residency concerns, the investigation sheds light on Wright’s real estate dealings as a probate attorney. In the early 2000s, Wright acquired several properties linked to deceased clients’ estates — some of which were sold to him at discounted prices.

Lydia Adams, once known as “the Queen of Black Beauty Culture,” built a successful legacy with her accredited hairdressing schools, which trained 27,000 beauticians. In her later years, she entrusted her legal affairs to Wright, who was 30 years her junior.

Wright served as her lawyer, executor of her will and beneficiary of her estate. In the months before her death in 1992, Adams reportedly grew close to Wright, with some relatives expressing concerns about the nature of their relationship, alleging Wright may have exploited Adams in her final years.

In her will, Adams granted Wright an option to buy her home for $40,000, citing his legal help and unpaid services. After her death, Wright, as executor, transferred the home to himself, but no record exists showing he paid the $40,000.

Wright billed Adams’ estate for over $13,000 in legal fees after her death.

Wright, 83, has not responded to requests for comment from Injustice Watch regarding the investigation. Legal experts suggest that if Wright has violated residency requirements, it could lead to disciplinary action or even removal from office.

The Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board, which investigates complaints against judges, has declined to confirm whether it is investigating Wright’s case.

Another Cook County judge, Shannon O’Malley, lost his vote of confidence in the November election, a rare occurrence that will remove him from office.

Wright, who has oversight on housing and eviction cases, won his vote of confidence, securing 61.5 percent of the vote.

— Andrew Terrell