Public guardian wants out of abducted teenager's case

Cook County Public Guardian Patrick Murphy filed a motion Tuesdayseeking to be removed from representing a girl who was abducted byher mother and kept from her father for nine years.

Saying he can take the case no further, Murphy, who has beenactive in the highly publicized case since December, also saidTuesday he believes the girl-now 15-will eventually end up back withher mother, Joli Taylor. He drew that conclusion despite the fact themother now faces a felony kidnapping charge in her former hometown,Midlothian, for allegedly abducting the girl in 1991.

"I'm unhappy about it," he said. "It's just reality."

Mother and daughter lived in Arizona for the last decade.

In a motion filed in Cook County Circuit Court Tuesday, Murphyberated Taylor for refusing to participate in therapy sessions withthe girl, who is with a foster family. Therapists say the girl willnot recover emotionally if Taylor does not cooperate, Murphy said.

The mother has falsely told the girl she was abused by her father,Michael Reichart of Arlington Heights, Murphy alleged. Murphy'smotion included a statement from the girl's court-appointed evaluatorwho said he had seen no evidence the abuse took place.

Murphy said he cannot share that information with the girl withoutfear of further damaging her emotionally. Because he can no longerhelp the girl, he should no longer remain on the case, the motionsaid.

A hearing is set for May 1.