People v. Tarnow

Defendant, Merle L. Tamow, appeals from an order dismissing his petition for post-conviction relief. We reverse and remand.

On March 23, 1988, defendant, who was 43 years of age at the time of the offense, was convicted in absentia of aggravated criminal sexual assault for committing an act of sexual penetration with a victim under age 13. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1987, ch. 38, par. 12 — 14(b)(1) (now 720 ILCS 5/12 — 14(b)(1) (West 1992)).) He was sentenced to a term of 15 years’ imprisonment. Defendant’s direct appeal was dismissed by this court due to his status as a fugitive. (People v. Tarnow (2d…