CROWN POINT | A judge ordered the arrest Friday of a former Lake County Criminal Court juror suspected of lying and avoiding jury duty last spring.

Court records indicate Judge Thomas Stefaniak Jr. issued the warrant for Michael Leibengood after Leibengood failed to appear Thursday for a court hearing to discuss the juror's conduct during the spring murder trial of Antonio Rose.

Stefaniak could not be reached Friday morning for comment. Diane Poulton, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, confirmed an arrest warrant had been issued for Leibengood but declined further comment.

The investigation revolves around Rose's trial, which took place between May 27 and 29.

Stefaniak has said a juror, now identified as Leibengood, did not show up for the second day of Rose's trial and had to be replaced by an alternate juror. The jury later convicted Rose of murder in the perpetration of a robbery.

Stefaniak said in June that Leibengood lied during the jury selection process but declined to give further specifics. Court records say Leibengood has been advised to seek legal counsel regarding the matter.

Stefaniak said in June that if the prosecutor's office did not file criminal charges, he could hold Leibengood in contempt of court.

Court records say Leibengood's bond is set at $5,000 cash.