After almost 100 indictments in just 15 work days, Shawnee County's District Attorney deems the grand jury a success. An anti-pornography group gathered enough signatures to call the grand jury to investigate whether five businesses violate the state's obscenity law. In the meantime, they heard dozens of other cases.

In less than three months time, a grand jury handed down 99 indictments. Including nine for homicide, 13 for sex offenses against children, 13 for commercial gambling, 30 for drugs and four felony DUI's.

The report says, "The District Attorney estimates if the cases had been filed by Complaint they would involve at least 6 appearances in court..."
Adding up to 600 appearances in court, reducing appearances he says saves time.

District Attorney Robert Hecht goes on to say the grand jury could save taxpayers more than half a million dollars in overtime for law enforcement. He says up to 70 percent of subpoenas are for officers who get paid for their time in court. In a grand jury they would not likely be subpoenaed. Thus, saving big bucks.

However, defense attorneys argue that the grand jury tips the scales in favor of the prosecution. We spoke with Billy Rork several weeks ago about the secret proceeding.

"It's more one-sided situation that while jurors listen to evidence and decide what happened, they only listen to what they're told," said Rork. He also had concerns about why certain cases were brought up and others weren't. Still Hecht praised the courts diligent work for the 15 days they dedicated over a three month period.

Three men and 12 women made up the grand jury. Early on one member left for health reasons.