People v. Thompson

Defendant, Veitrice Thompson, was convicted of felony theft (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 38, par. 16 — 1(b) (1)) in a jury trial. She was sentenced to 5 years probation and ordered to make monetary restitution. The decisive issue is whether she was denied a fair trial by not being allowed to cross-examine an important witness as to his alleged interest, bias or motive. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

Defendant was employed by Walton Realty as a clerk in the office of the Townhouse Apartments. Her duties included collecting rents, recording rent receipts and maintaining certain office…