Thought my fellow Dahl fans out there would enjoy this...

FROM THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE WEBSITE:

Wednesday, May 14, 10:37 AM: Doughnuts for deputies land reporter in a hole


Brendan Greeley

In the weeks leading up to the R. Kelly trial, it was clear the Cook County sheriff's department was determined to keep a tight rein on the media. But an incident Wednesday morning showed just how seriously they're taking that mission.

Law-enforcement officials threatened to pull the media credential of a radio reporter who brought doughnuts for deputies working outside the building. Brendan Greeley, who works for "The Steve Dahl Show" on WJMK-FM104.3, brought the treats to thank officers who had been kind to him during the first three days of jury selection.

The deputies, among many other helpful actions, typically give reporters and photographers a few minutes' warning before Kelly arrives so they can have their cameras positioned. When Greeley mentioned this to his boss, Dahl suggested he bring two dozen doughnuts on Wednesday as a show of gratitude.

"It was a warm gesture," Greeley said.

Law-enforcement officials said high-ranking officers heard Dahl discussing the doughnuts during Tuesday's show and feared that the public would consider the snacks a bribe for information.

Around 7:45 a.m Wednesday, a Dahl intern showed up with two dozen Dunkin Donuts. Greeley said the treats were "a nice variety: glazed, chocolate dipped, powdered, cinnamon."

Several deputies declined Greeley's treats before an officer approached him and told him he was being a distraction. He told Greeley, who was not on air while passing out the snacks, that his credential would be taken away if he brought doughnuts again.

It's not unusual for reporters to bring treats for deputies during high-profile or prolonged cases. During the Brown's Chicken & Pasta murder trial last year—also held in Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan's courtroom—reporters brought bagels, cookies and doughnuts throughout the six-week trial.

Gaughan has been aware of past treats and never prohibited the goodwill gesture. It's highly unlikely he knew of Greeley's situation this morning.

To maintain order during the R. Kelly trial, the judge appointed a media committee to voice concerns or address problems that arise during the case. The committee said today that it would have opposed any sanctions against Greeley because there's nothing in the judge's order that prohibits the sharing of doughnuts—chocolate dipped or otherwise.

"I'm just happy to still have my credential," Greeley said. "It was just a gesture."

--Stacy St. Clair

Click here to view one of Brendan's courtroom sketches from the R. Kelly trial.