By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – A McLean County judge won’t allow a service dog to provide comfort to a teenager when she testifies against the man accused of sexually abusing her.
The judge said the animal’s appearance at trial might prejudice jurors in Robert Wichmann’s trial.
Joch, a black labrador from the Children’s Advocacy Center, would have been the first animal allowed to assist an alleged victim in a McLean County trial. Authorities have used Joch before to help in sex abuse investigations outside of the courtroom.
Judge Scott Drazewski said jurors, who are supposed to be impartial, might feel too much sympathy because of Joch’s presence.
Wichmann’s lawyer, Jennifer Patton, said Joch had never been in a trial-setting before, and there’s “a million-and-one things” that could go wrong.
Patton said the girl, who’s 15, is not an eight or nine year old who would more likely need the assistance.
Prosecutor Jacob Harlow is one of Joch’s handlers. He said jurors might not even see the animal in the witness box.
Illinois lawmakers passed legislation two years ago permitting canine assistance, however the judge said he found no prior case law that would set a precedent in the matter.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
