Defendant was found guilty of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and was sentenced to three years’ probation and 90 days in jail. On appeal, defendant argued that the evidence was not sufficient to convict him, that the trial court denied him a fair trial by admitting other-crimes evidence for the purpose of propensity, and that the trial court erred by failing to grant defendant’s motion for a mistrial after a prospective juror made prejudicial comments during jury selection. The appellate court affirmed, finding that the evidence was sufficient to support the conviction, that the other-crimes evidence was properly admitted for the purpose of intent and absence of mistake, and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion for a mistrial because the credibility of the victim was not at issue. (DeARMOND and KNECHT, concurring)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Evidence