People v. Fassler

This case requires us to examine alleged irregularities in a grand jury proceeding, including violations of grand jury secrecy and accusations of prosecutorial misconduct.

On September 30, 1988, a Union County grand jury indicted the defendant for aggravated criminal sexual abuse and battery. The charges alleged that the defendant, a school teacher, fondled a 13-year-old female student during class.

In February 1989, a trial judge in the circuit court of Union County dismissed the two-count indictment on several grounds. The appellate court affirmed the dismissal on the sole basis that,…