People v. Johnson

The defendant, Edward E. Johnson, was charged in St. Clair County with the offense of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1983, ch. 38, par. 11 — 4.1.) At his trial, the testimony of the five-year-old complaining witness and her seven-year-old brother was recorded on videotape for presentation to the jury. The defendant was not present in the courtroom when the complaining witness’ testimony was recorded. He was ultimately found guilty as charged. The appellate court affirmed the defendant’s conviction, with one justice dissenting, rejecting his assorted challenges to…