Segal Supporters Start Web Site

An anonymous group of supporters of embattled Chicago insurance broker Michael Segal has launched a Web site to bolster his tarnished image.

Segal, the CEO of Near North National Group, is on trial on federal charges of embezzling more than $20 million over the course of 10 years from the fund trust account of his brokerage for extravagant personal expenses and contributions to powerful local politicians.

The Web site, SegalSupport.com, is “designed to offer supporters of Michael Segal a place to voice their support as well as discuss legal issues related to the case,” according to news release. Additionally, the website will provide trial updates and links to related articles.”

The site’s slogan, announced in a subsequent release, is “The American Dream on Trial.” The site operators claim to have no connection to Segal but would not release any information about who they are. A search of the InterNIC Whois system revealed that the registrar of the SegalSupport.com is OnlineNIC, a wholesale reseller of Internet domain names.

Segal’s trial in the U.S. Northern District Court of Illinois began last week.