Posted by Bud on February 13, 2010 at 12:38:36:
Chicago-based syndicated radio talk show host Kevin Trudeau has found himself in the proverbial dog house today. U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman, who is overseeing a civil case involving Trudeau, was clearly unhappy this morning when Trudeau did a little stunt yesterday. Trudeau urged the many listeners of his nationally-syndicated radio show to email the judge in support of him. The good news is: they listened. The bad news is: they listened. Judge Gettleman was flooded with thousands of emails, which clogged up his email account. Some judges have good senses of humor. This judge didn't find that stunt funny at all, which prompted the judge's order this morning.
Kevin Trudeau had the following to say on his blog a short while ago:
"To my listeners and email club subscribers,
Yesterday, as you know I asked you to communicate with Judge Gettleman of the Northern District Court of Illinois. That was a mistake. It was wrong to make that request. Please do not under any circumstances communicate with the court or Judge Gettleman. I apologize for this mistake.
Yours in Health,
Kevin Trudeau"
Trudeau is a best-selling author, popular speaker, TV/Internet pitchman, successful businessman, and occasional controversial lightning rod. His radio show, the appropriately named "Kevin Trudeau Show," comes from Chicago, is syndicated nationwide and heard locally on WJJG-AM 1530 every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. He can also be heard & seen live or downloaded via podcast on his website which is linked below.
Judge Gettleman found Trudeau in criminal contempt of court because of the email stunt. He said those actions violated a previous court order in the case to not communicate with the judge, and that Trudeau interfered with the direct process of the court.
Trudeau was ordered to give up his passport and post a $50,000 bond or go to jail. Bond was posted.
The judge said he wanted to take Trudeau into custody this afternoon, but decided he didn't want to act "hastily." He did say that when the penalty is finally handed down, it will likely include a hefty fine and some jail time.