Court Opinion

ID: 3143922
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-10-22 18:01:07.668285+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:07:17.047970
License: Public Domain

No. 2--05--0819             Filed: 8-3-07

______________________________________________________________________________

                                              IN THE

                              APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS

                              SECOND DISTRICT
______________________________________________________________________________

 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF            )   Appeal from the Circuit Court
 ILLINOIS,                             )   of Winnebago County.
                                       )
      Plaintiff-Appellee,              )
                                       )
 v.                                    )   No. 03--CF--1147
                                       )
 KENNETH R. SCHNEIDER,                 )   Honorable
                                       )   Daniel D. Doyle,
      Defendant-Appellant.             )   Judge, Presiding.
______________________________________________________________________________

       PRESIDING JUSTICE GROMETER delivered the opinion of the court:

       Following a jury trial in the circuit court of Winnebago County, defendant, Kenneth R.

Schneider, was convicted of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/12--

14(a)(1) (West 2002)). The trial court sentenced defendant to consecutive 20-year prison terms. On

direct appeal, defendant raises three arguments. First, defendant asserts that the State's motion for

automatic substitution of judge was untimely and should not have been allowed. Second, defendant

complains that the trial court committed reversible error when it prohibited defense counsel from

cross-examining a police officer about whether the officer was being investigated for coercing a

confession from a suspect in another case. Third, defendant contends that comments made by the

prosecutor during closing argument deprived him of a fair trial. We affirm.

                                       I. BACKGROUND
No. 2--05--0819

         In a document file stamped April 24, 2003, defendant was charged by criminal complaint

with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/12--14(a)(1) (West 2002)). On

May 21, 2003, the grand jury issued a two-count indictment against defendant. The indictment

charged that, while displaying a knife, defendant, by the use of force, placed his penis in the vagina

and anus of Sherry S. On May 27, 2003, pursuant to section 114--5(c) of the Code of Criminal

Procedure of 1963 (Code) (725 ILCS 5/114--5(c) (West 2002)), the State filed a motion for

substitution of judge, which it later amended. The trial court granted the motion. A jury trial before

Judge Daniel Doyle commenced on February 22, 2005. The following evidence was adduced at the

trial.

         Frank Ciprys testified that at approximately 12:42 a.m. on April 17, 2003, he awoke to the

sound of his dog barking. Ciprys proceeded to the front of the house, where he saw a woman

sobbing on his porch. Ciprys and his wife let the woman into their home. According to Ciprys, the

woman appeared to be in "a state of shock." She repeatedly stated that she had been "raped in the

ass," that "he" had a knife, and that she thought that "he" was going to kill her. Ciprys called 911.

A sheriff's deputy and paramedics soon arrived. Ciprys testified that the woman was dressed and

that he did not notice any cuts or bruises on her.

         Winnebago County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Boomer responded to Ciprys's call. Inside the

home, Boomer observed Sherry "crying hysterically." Sherry's face was red, and she was speaking

quickly. Sherry told Boomer that she had been raped vaginally and anally.

         Sherry testified that in April 2003, she was living on the streets of Rockford, working as a

prostitute. At the time, she was pregnant and using crack cocaine. On the evening of April 16, 2003,

Sherry drove to the area of 8th Street and 16th Avenue where she typically found her "dates." There,

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No. 2--05--0819

Sherry and another prostitute went to a shop where Sherry bought some cigarettes, candy, and

lemonade. As the two women were walking back to the car, Sherry's companion found a "date."

Sherry continued walking to her car as a blue Bronco pulled up beside her. At trial, Sherry identified

the driver of the Bronco as defendant. Sherry got into the Bronco and asked defendant his name.

He responded that it was "Randy." Defendant then drove Sherry to a dark, empty parking lot.

       After defendant parked the vehicle, he told Sherry that he had to urinate. Defendant got out

of the vehicle and told Sherry to "take off [her] fucking pants." Sherry stated that she sat there in

"shock." The next thing she remembered was defendant at the passenger-side door, with a knife in

his right hand. Sherry estimated that the blade of the knife measured five or six inches. Defendant

opened the door and instructed Sherry to leave the vehicle. Defendant then told Sherry to put her

hands up and not to scream or say anything. According to Sherry, defendant was "really aggressive"

and started taking off her clothes. Defendant also began "thumping" Sherry in the head until she told

him that she was six months pregnant. Defendant then turned Sherry around, pushed her to the

ground, and forced his penis into her mouth. Defendant turned Sherry around again and inserted his

penis into her vagina and then into her "behind." Sherry told defendant that it hurt, and he told her

not to make a sound. Defendant then reinserted his penis into Sherry's vagina before ejaculating in

her. Subsequently, defendant got up, threw Sherry's clothes at her, and stated, "You fucking whores.

I can't stand you fucking whores." Sherry did not move until defendant drove away.

       After defendant left, Sherry fled, dressing as she ran. At the end of the road she saw three

houses. No one answered at the first two. However, a couple came to the window of the third

house. Sherry told the couple that she was six months pregnant, that she had just been raped, and

that she needed help. The couple let Sherry in, and the police arrived soon thereafter. Later, an

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No. 2--05--0819

ambulance took Sherry to the hospital, where a rape kit was administered. On April 22, 2003, a

detective showed her a set of photographs and she selected defendant as the perpetrator of the rape.

Sherry admitted that in May 2003, she pleaded guilty to burglary and received probation. At the time

of her testimony, Sherry was in custody for failing to appear in court in relation to the burglary

charge.

          On cross-examination, Sherry testified that she had been a prostitute for three years. She

denied using any narcotics or alcohol on the day in question. However, she was "pretty sure" that

she had done some the day before. Sherry also admitted that she had been using crack cocaine for

four years and that, prior to April 16, 2003, she smoked the substance "every day all day." She also

stated that she probably used crack in the days before she spoke to the police about the case. In

addition, Sherry admitted that she continued to use crack between April 23, 2003, and the date she

was placed in custody on the burglary charge. Sherry denied being "under the influence" when she

gave police a statement regarding the incident. However, she stated that there was a "possibility"

that she used drugs the day before. Sherry stated that she had entered drug rehabilitation on four

occasions. The longest time she had been sober was for the six months following the birth of her

child.

          Sherry could not recall how she got into defendant's vehicle or what she said before she got

inside. However, she acknowledged entering the truck willingly. Sherry recalled asking defendant

where they were going and him telling her that he was taking her to his house. Sherry told defendant

that she did not feel comfortable "goin' way far out." However, defendant related that he wanted to

leave the city limits because of the police. According to Sherry, at no time between the time she

entered defendant's vehicle and the time defendant drove away was there a discussion about Sherry

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No. 2--05--0819

being hired for sex. Sherry explained that sometimes her clients discuss sex and sometimes they do

not.

       Susan Oca, an emergency room nurse at Rockford Memorial Hospital, testified that at

approximately 2 a.m. on April 17, 2003, she assisted in administering a rape kit for Sherry.

According to Oca, Sherry was "very distraught and upset." Sherry told Oca that a man pulled her

into a vehicle, took her to a quarry, and sexually assaulted her. After administering the rape kit, Oca

gave it to a Deputy Phillips. Oca did not see any cuts, bruises, or lacerations on Sherry.

       Rockford police officer Randy Berke testified that he and his partner were on patrol in the

early hours of April 19, 2003, when they overheard a dispatch reporting that a suspect in some recent

rape cases was seen driving a red truck north on 7th Street. A short time later, Berke observed a red

Ford pickup truck turn directly in front of his vehicle. Berke followed the truck. At about 1:35 a.m.,

Berke observed the driver commit a traffic violation. Berke activated his emergency lights and

pulled the truck over. Berke approached the driver's side of the truck while his partner went to the

passenger side. Berke asked the driver, whom he identified in court as defendant, for his driver's

license and proof of insurance. Defendant told Berke several times that he could search the truck

if he wanted to, so Berke asked defendant to step out of the vehicle. Berke asked defendant what

he was doing in the area and defendant responded that he was out buying cigarettes. Berke

mentioned that the address on the driver's license was 19 blocks away, and defendant responded that

he liked driving around that area, which Berke described as the "main area" for prostitution in

Rockford. A short while later, another officer arrived. After learning that defendant had consented

to a search of the vehicle, the third officer searched and photographed the truck. Among the items

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No. 2--05--0819

photographed were two types of knives and a police scanner. Berke acknowledged that defendant

was cooperative during these events and that he was ultimately released.

       Having prevailed in a pretrial motion to introduce evidence of other crimes, pursuant to

section 115--7.3 of the Code (725 ILCS 5/115--7.3 (West 2002)), the State presented testimony from

two other prostitutes who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by defendant.

       Danielle J. testified that she was working on 7th Street on the evening of November 1, 2002,

when a man driving a black Ford Bronco approached. She asked the man, whom she identified as

defendant, if he was a police officer. Defendant responded in the negative, and Danielle had him

touch her breasts to make sure. After Danielle entered the vehicle, defendant told her that he was

taking her to his house but that he would drive her back. After talking for a while, Danielle asked

defendant for $20 in exchange for "sexual favors." At that point, defendant pulled out a knife and

put it to her throat. Defendant then instructed Danielle to buckle her seat belt so that they would not

be pulled over by the police. Defendant told Danielle that he would kill her if she made any noise.

       Defendant drove Danielle down some dirt roads before stopping at a locked gate. Defendant

unlocked the gate, drove the vehicle past the gate, and relocked the gate. He then drove to a building

that resembled a factory. Defendant parked the vehicle, got out, urinated, and opened the passenger-

side door. Defendant then told Danielle to "take [her] fuckin' clothes off" or he would kill her.

Danielle complied. She then exited the vehicle, and defendant told her to perform oral sex on him.

Defendant held a knife against Danielle's throat as she abided by his demand. Danielle then turned

around and bent over the truck seat. At that point, defendant alternated inserting his penis in

Danielle's vagina and "butt" before ejaculating in her vagina. Defendant then gave Danielle a baby

wipe and told her to clean herself. According to Danielle, defendant acted as if "nothing even

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No. 2--05--0819

happened." He then related to Danielle that he used to be a Rockford police officer, and he told her

about safer areas in which to work. Danielle begged defendant to take her back to Rockford, and he

agreed. According to Danielle, defendant talked like he was from the south. After exiting

defendant's truck, Danielle walked around the vehicle to look at the license plate number. She then

called 911 from a pay phone to report that she had been raped. A short time later, a police officer

arrived. Danielle was then transported to SwedishAmerican Hospital, where a rape kit was

administered.

        On cross-examination, Danielle denied having a substance-abuse problem. Danielle stated

that she never tried to get out of the truck or roll down the window and scream. She also stated that

she did not attempt to drive away or lock the doors when defendant got out of the truck. Danielle

related that on the way back to Rockford, defendant did not display his knife. However, he did tell

Danielle that he would kill her if she told anybody what occurred. Danielle admitted that defendant

never cut her or touched her skin with the knife.

        Officer Christopher See of the Rockford police department responded to Danielle's call. See

testified that Danielle was "visibly shaken." She was breathing heavily and stated that she had been

raped. See escorted Danielle to SwedishAmerican Hospital and took possession of the rape kit that

was administered in the emergency room.

        Kathleen Williams testified that in November 2002, she was working as a staff nurse in the

emergency room at SwedishAmerican Hospital. On the evening of November 1, 2002, Williams

helped administer a rape kit for Danielle. During the procedure, Danielle told Williams that she was

a prostitute, that a man had pulled up to her, that she asked the man to "[s]uck on [her] tit," and that

she exposed herself. Danielle then got into the car, and the man held a knife to her throat and

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No. 2--05--0819

threatened to kill her if she did not cooperate. The man then took her into the country and told her

to take off her clothes. When she did not comply, he again threatened her. The man then had oral,

vaginal, and anal sex with her. After administering the rape kit, Williams gave it to Officer See.

Williams did not notice any cuts, bruises, or lacerations on Danielle.

       Stacey C. testified that she worked as a prostitute to support her drug habit. In May 2000,

Stacey pleaded guilty to cocaine possession, and in September 2004, she was placed on probation

after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. Stacey stated that she last used

drugs in July 2004.

       Stacey testified that sometime late in March 2003 or early in April 2003, she was at 6th Street

and 15th Avenue. In the early morning hours, defendant pulled over in his truck and Stacey asked

him if he was looking for a "date." Defendant responded in the affirmative. Stacey then asked

defendant to touch her breasts, and defendant complied. Defendant told Stacey that his name was

Ken, and he drove her to a place near Meridian Road. After parking the truck, defendant told Stacey

that he had to urinate. According to Stacey, defendant then exited the truck, came around to the

passenger side of the vehicle, reached in, hit Stacey in the mouth, grabbed her, and scarred her face.

As he held a knife, defendant threw Stacey out of the truck and told her that if she did not take off

her clothes, he would cut her. Stacey took off her pants, and defendant proceeded to penetrate her

vaginally and anally. After ejaculating in Stacey's anus, defendant stood up, threw $20 at her, and

told her to get dressed. Stacey asked defendant for a ride back, and he agreed, adding that he was

sorry and that he had never done that before. Defendant also told Stacey that the knife was not real.

       During the ride back, defendant again apologized for his behavior and he offered to buy her

a steak dinner if he ever saw her again. When he dropped Stacey off at 7th Street and 15th Avenue,

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No. 2--05--0819

he pointed at a house and asked her if she was going there. Stacey asked him why, and defendant

related that he was "affiliated with the police" and that the police were going to raid the building.

Stacey did not report the incident to the police until a couple of days later because she was a

homeless drug addict and did not think that the police would care or believe her. In May 2003,

Stacey identified defendant from a police lineup as the man who attacked her. On cross-

examination, Stacey testified that she used drugs on the day of her encounter with defendant but that

she was sober at the time of the incident.

       Dennis Aubuchon, a forensic biologist with the Illinois State Police, tested vaginal swabs

taken from Sherry and Danielle. Aubuchon found semen on both swabs. Laurie Lee, a forensic

scientist with the Illinois State Police, performed DNA testing on samples from Sherry, Danielle, and

defendant. Lee testified that the semen found on the swab taken from Sherry contained a mixture

of DNA profiles from at least three donors. Lee concluded that "[defendant], Sherry [S.], and at least

one other individual cannot be excluded from having contributed to this mix profile." Based on a

comparison of three loci, 1 out of 37 black, 1 out of 2 white, or 1 out of 2 Hispanic unrelated

individuals could not be excluded. Lee noted that she ordinarily bases comparisons on 13 loci, but

that she could not do that with the sample taken from Sherry because of the number of contributors.

Lee also found a mixed profile on Danielle's swab. One DNA profile matched the DNA profile of

defendant and would occur in approximately 1 in 10 quintillion blacks, 1 in 1.7 quintillion whites,

or 1 in 540 quadrillion Hispanics. Based on this information, Lee testified that the semen recovered

from the vaginal swab taken from Danielle originated from defendant.

       Rockford police detective Paul Swanberg testified that he and Detective Glen Heidenreich

interrogated defendant at around 8:15 p.m. on April 23, 2003. According to Swanberg, defendant

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No. 2--05--0819

was first given Miranda warnings, and he indicated that he understood them. He then initialed a

rights form and signed it. The detectives then spoke with defendant for about 1 hour and 20 minutes

before taking a bathroom break. Swanberg noted that during the interrogation, defendant spoke with

a southern drawl. Defendant was also given water at his request, and the interrogation resumed at

9:47 p.m. At about 10:51 p.m., defendant agreed to provide a written statement. Swanberg typed

the statement on a laptop computer. He then printed the statement and reviewed it with defendant.

Swanberg had defendant read the first sentence or two out loud to determine if defendant could read

and understand English. Swanberg then read the rest of the statement to defendant. Once Swanberg

finished, defendant was given a pen to make any changes to the statement. Defendant changed some

grammar and spelling on the first page. Defendant then initialed the changes and signed his name

and wrote his address on the second page. Immediately after the first statement was taken, the

detectives obtained a second written statement from defendant using the same procedure. Defendant

was returned to his jail cell at about 1:20 a.m. At about 9:30 a.m. on April 24, 2003, Swanberg

spoke with defendant again. At that time, defendant was again advised of his rights. Swanberg

spoke with defendant until about 1 p.m.

       On cross-examination, Swanberg testified that the interrogation room measured 6 feet by 10

feet or 6 feet by 12 feet. Swanberg stated that defendant never asked to speak with an attorney.

Swanberg also stated that defendant was not wearing glasses during the interview and that, as far as

Swanberg knew, defendant did not need glasses. Swanberg added that defendant never told him that

he was sick or in pain, defendant never put his head in his hands, and defendant never laid his head

down on the table.

                                               -10-
No. 2--05--0819

       The State then read defendant's two statements to the jury. In the first statement, defendant

admitted picking up a woman on 16th Avenue. The woman asked defendant if he was a cop and

then took defendant's hand and put it on her breasts. She also placed her hand on defendant's crotch.

Defendant then drove the woman to the west side, in his Bronco. The two began to discuss how

much defendant would pay to have sex with the woman. They eventually agreed on the amount of

$25. Defendant pulled into a parking lot off of Harrison Road and exited the car. He urinated and

then walked to the passenger side of the vehicle, opened the door, and gave the woman the money.

The woman refused to do anything unless defendant gave her more money. At that point, defendant

pulled out a knife with a folding five-inch blade and told her to take off her clothes. The woman

complied and defendant put away the knife. Defendant proceeded to penetrate the woman vaginally

and anally. Defendant was not sure if he ejaculated. As defendant pulled up his pants, the woman

kicked him in the thigh. He then told the woman he was leaving her there, and he drove home.

       In the second statement, defendant explained that as a result of certain life events, he wanted

to die "the easiest way out," so he decided to contract AIDS and "fade out." Accordingly, defendant

had been having unprotected sex with prostitutes for about 18 months. At first, defendant paid the

prostitutes. However, five or six months prior to giving the statement, he began to force the

prostitutes to have sex with him, because he did not have any money. Defendant would drive the

women to a location near where he used to work. When they arrived, he would show a knife.

Defendant never used a condom, because he was hoping to catch something from the women.

Defendant related that, with one or two exceptions, he drove the women back to town. One of the

women he picked up had her own knife and cut defendant's left arm and stomach. Defendant told

some of the women that his name was "Randy."

                                                -11-
No. 2--05--0819

       Defendant testified on his own behalf. Defendant stated that in early 2003 he was living on

8th Street in Rockford with his girlfriend, her son, and her brother. Defendant was unemployed at

the time and his emotional condition was "not too good." Defendant had recently learned that his

divorce had been finalized and that his ex-wife's daughter was not his biological child. Moreover,

defendant's mother recently passed away, and he lost his job after padding his time card. Defendant

thought about committing suicide, but did not have "the guts" to shoot himself. He did not want

anyone else to get hurt, so he devised a plan to contract AIDS and "fade out." Defendant did not tell

anyone else of his plan.

       In October or November of 2002, defendant started picking up prostitutes along 7th Street,

mostly at night. At the time, defendant had two vehicles, a red 1993 Ford F-150 pickup truck and

a black 1999 Ford Bronco. Defendant testified that normally he would drive the pickup truck to look

for prostitutes. Defendant explained that he would pull up to a particular woman and she would ask

if he wanted a "date." If he responded yes, the woman would enter the vehicle, and defendant would

drive away. The pickup truck had electric door locks, but a person in the truck could manually

unlock the door. The truck's windows were not tinted. Once in the vehicle, the woman and

defendant would discuss the price and the particular sex act desired. Defendant usually took the

woman to a place about five miles from where he picked her up. Defendant would usually give the

woman her money before he exited the vehicle. After exiting, he would "relieve himself," go to the

passenger side of the truck, tap on the window, open the door, and ask the woman to take down her

pants. Defendant would leave the keys in the ignition. Defendant testified that when he first started

going to prostitutes he did use a condom because he was not sure he wanted to contract a disease.

However, he later stopped using protection. After having sex, defendant would offer the woman a

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No. 2--05--0819

towelette to clean herself off and he would drive the woman back to town. Defendant admitted

owning several knives. He testified, however, that he normally did not keep knives in his vehicles.

If he had a knife in the pickup truck, he kept it in a nylon case under a box of tissues in the console.

Defendant also had a scanner, which he used to listen to fire and police calls.

       Defendant admitted picking up Sherry in the vicinity of 8th Street and 16th Avenue, but was

sure it happened on April 16, 2002, not 2003. At the time, defendant was driving his Ford Bronco.

Defendant approached Sherry and she got into the vehicle. Sherry asked defendant if he was looking

for a "date" and whether he was a police officer. Defendant responded that he was not a police

officer, and Sherry touched defendant's genital area. Defendant then asked Sherry if she was a police

officer. Sherry responded in the negative, and defendant reached over and touched her breasts or her

genitals. According to defendant, Sherry appeared to be "strung out," "agitated," and "hyped up."

Sherry was wearing a coat and defendant was not aware that she was pregnant. Sherry agreed to oral,

vaginal, and anal sex in exchange for $25. After arriving at his usual spot, defendant paid Sherry,

and they engaged in consensual sex. After they completed the transaction, Sherry asked for more

money. Defendant told Sherry that he did not have any more money. Sherry became upset and

started calling defendant names. Sherry then kicked defendant in the left thigh. Defendant told

Sherry that if she was going to act like that, he would leave her there. He then drove away without

her. Defendant denied hitting Sherry, threatening to kill her, or holding her at knifepoint.

       Defendant initially denied knowing Danielle. Later, however, defendant admitted having sex

with her in exchange for $20 or $25. Defendant denied holding a knife to Danielle or threatening

to kill her. Defendant also acknowledged picking up Stacey. In exchange for $20 or $25, the two

had consensual sex. Defendant denied punching Stacey or threatening her life.

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No. 2--05--0819

       Defendant explained that on the evening he spoke with Swanberg and Heidenreich, he had

a migraine headache. Defendant stated that at the time of the interrogation, he had been suffering

from migraines for about 2½ years and was on medication for them. Defendant twice told the

detectives that he had a migraine and would like his medication, but they ignored him. Defendant

also testified that he wears glasses to read but he did not have them with him during the

interrogation. When the detectives handed defendant the rights form, he told them he could not

make out the words because he did not have his glasses. Neither detective offered him a pair of

glasses. Although he could not read the rights form, he signed it after Heidenreich pointed to the

area where defendant needed to sign. Defendant stated that he was unable to see the screen of the

laptop computer used to take down his statement. Once the statement was reduced to writing, it was

presented to defendant. Defendant stated, however, that he was unable to read it and the detectives

did not read it to him. Nevertheless, defendant signed the statement and placed his initials at

corrections because he was "under the impression" that the statement was what he had told the

detectives and that certain corrections needed to be and were made.

       Defendant admitted that Heidenreich read the rights form to him. He also admitted that he

never asked to see a doctor or a nurse because of his condition. Defendant testified that he told the

detectives three times that he wanted a lawyer. Swanberg responded that it was just a discussion

between three people and that there was no reason to have a lawyer present. Defendant estimated

that he told the detectives between 12 and 15 times that no knife was involved in his encounters with

prostitutes. Defendant stated that on the night he was stopped by the police, they found a small

plastic folding knife buried in the console of his pickup truck. He related that he carried the knife

just in case he hit a deer while driving.

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       On cross-examination, defendant admitted that Heidenreich told him at the beginning of the

interrogation that defendant had to understand his rights. Defendant admitted that he told the

detectives that he understood his rights and that he agreed to talk with them. Defendant stated that

it was "a possibility" that he told jail personnel only that he had "dry skin disease" when they asked

whether he had any medical problems. On redirect, defendant attributed his migraine headaches to

three lesions on the frontal lobe of his brain, discovered in February 2002. On recross, defendant

admitted that he did not tell the booking officer that he had lesions on his brain. However, he

testified that he told the booking officer that he had been prescribed medication for migraine

headaches and for ulcers. Defendant also testified that he told Swanberg and Heidenreich that he

had brain lesions.

       In rebuttal, the State first called Ruth Raxter, a booking officer for the Winnebago County

sheriff's department. Raxter testified that on April 24, 2003, at about 1:21 a.m., she processed

defendant. According to Raxter, defendant did not appear to be ill at that time. Raxter asked

defendant to list all medications that he took. Defendant responded that he did not take any

medications. Moreover, the only ailment that defendant mentioned having was a dry skin disorder.

Defendant denied being under a doctor's care. On cross-examination, Raxter testified that she could

not recall whether defendant wore glasses when he was given a document to read.

       Swanberg was recalled to testify that defendant never mentioned having brain lesions,

suffering from migraines or any other medical ailments, or having to take any medication. Swanberg

also stated that defendant never asked for an attorney during the interrogation.

       Heidenreich also testified. Heidenreich's testimony regarding the procedure used to obtain

defendant's statements was substantially similar to the testimony provided by Swanberg during the

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No. 2--05--0819

State's case in chief and in rebuttal. Notably, Heidenreich testified that defendant never asked for

an attorney, he never stated that he was taking any medication, he never related that he had lesions

on his brain, he never complained of any illness or headache, and he never exhibited signs of any

ailment. Heidenreich added that defendant was never denied any medication and that defendant

never stated that a knife was not used in the incidents with the prostitutes. On cross-examination,

Heidenreich admitted telling defendant that the police were checking with other states and that if his

name and DNA came up, they would "get" him. Heidenreich denied telling defendant that the police

were going to link him to a murder. During Heidenreich's cross-examination, defense counsel sought

to ask him whether he was under investigation for "coaching" a false confession from a 14-year-old

suspect in another case. Following a sidebar, the trial court sustained the State's objection to this line

of questioning.

        After closing arguments, the jury began deliberations. Ultimately, the jury returned verdicts

of guilty on both counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault. On May 20, 2005, after hearing

evidence and argument in aggravation and mitigation, the trial court sentenced defendant to two

consecutive 20-year terms of imprisonment. On June 3, 2005, defendant filed a motion for a new

trial and a motion to reconsider his sentence. At a subsequent hearing, defendant withdrew the

motion for a new trial and the trial court denied the motion to reconsider his sentence. Defendant

timely appealed.

                                            II. ANALYSIS

                                       A. Substitution of Judge

        On appeal, defendant first asserts that the trial court erred in granting the State's motion for

substitution of judge, because it was not filed within the 10-day time period specified in section 114-

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No. 2--05--0819

-5(c) of the Code (725 ILCS 5/114--5(c) (West 2002)). The State responds that defendant has

waived consideration of this issue by failing to file a written response to the State's motion or raise

it in a posttrial motion. Alternatively, the State argues that its motion was timely because it was filed

prior to the cause being placed on the court's trial call. Thus, the State reasons, its motion was

premature, not untimely.

        We agree that defendant has waived consideration of this issue. As detailed more thoroughly

below, when the motion was presented to Judge Steven Vecchio, defense counsel did not object on

the basis that the motion was untimely. See People v. Friend, 177 Ill. App. 3d 1002, 1020-21 (1988)

(noting that a specific objection results in the waiver of all grounds not specified in the objection).

In addition, defendant did not challenge the timeliness of the State's filing in a posttrial motion. See

People v. Enoch, 122 Ill. 2d 176, 186 (1988) (holding that in order to properly preserve an issue for

appellate review, a defendant must both make a timely objection and raise the issue in his posttrial

motion); People v. Williams, 272 Ill. App. 3d 868, 874 (1995) (concluding that defendant waived

challenge to trial court order denying his motion for substitution of judge where defendant did not

raise issue in his posttrial motion).

        Notwithstanding defense counsel's failure to object to the timeliness of the State's motion for

substitution of judge and her failure to raise the issue in a posttrial motion, defendant asserts that the

trial court order granting the State's motion amounted to either plain error reviewable by this court

under Supreme Court Rule 615(a) (134 Ill. 2d R. 615(a)) or ineffective assistance of counsel. We

address defendant's plain-error claim first. Under the plain-error doctrine, a reviewing court may

address a forfeited claim where (1) the evidence in a case is so closely balanced that the jury's guilty

verdict may have resulted from the error and not the evidence or (2) the error is so serious that the

                                                  -17-
No. 2--05--0819

defendant was denied a substantial right, and thus a fair trial. People v. Herron, 215 Ill. 2d 167, 178-

79 (2005). Under either circumstance, the burden of persuasion falls upon the defendant. See

People v. Nitz, 219 Ill. 2d 400, 410 (2006). Obviously, if the State's motion for substitution of judge

was timely, no error occurred. Therefore, our initial task is to determine if the State filed its motion

within the applicable time frame.

        Section 114--5(c) of the Code provides:

                "Within 10 days after a cause has been placed on the trial call of a judge the State

        may move the court in writing for a substitution of that judge on the ground that such judge

        is prejudiced against the State. Upon the filing of such a motion the court shall proceed no

        further in the cause but shall transfer it to another judge not named in the motion. The State

        may name only one judge as prejudiced, pursuant to this subsection." 725 ILCS 5/114--5(c)

        (West 2002).

Under this statute, substitution is automatic if the motion is filed within 10 days after the cause has

been placed on the trial call of a judge, the motion names only one judge, the motion is made in

writing, the motion alleges that the trial judge is prejudiced against the State, and the motion is made

before any substantive rulings in the case. See People v. McDuffee, 187 Ill. 2d 481, 487-88 (1999).

In this case, the State's substitution motion was in writing, the amended motion named only one

judge, it alleged that the trial judge was prejudiced against the State, and no substantive rulings had

been made in the case when the motion was filed. Therefore, the decision to grant the motion was

improper only if the State failed to file the motion within 10 days after the case had been placed on

Judge Vecchio's trial call.

                                                 -18-
No. 2--05--0819

       Our research has not located any cases discussing how to calculate the 10-day time period

set forth in section 114--5(c). However, section 114--5(a) of the Code (725 ILCS 5/114--5(a) (West

2002)), which allows a defendant an automatic substitution of judge, is similar to the State's right

under section 114--5(c). See People ex rel. Baricevic v. Wharton, 136 Ill. 2d 423, 430 (1990)

(pointing out that the language in section 114--5(c) of the Code is "virtually identical" to the

language in section 114--5(a) of the Code). As such, we find cases interpreting section 114--5(a)

helpful to our analysis. Like section 114--5(c), section 114--5(a) requires a party seeking the

substitution of a judge to file a motion "[w]ithin 10 days after a cause *** has been placed on the

trial call of a judge." 725 ILCS 5/114--5(a) (West 2002). In McDuffee, the supreme court addressed

when the 10-day time period specified in section 114--5(a) begins to run. In the course of its

analysis, the McDuffee court discussed the practice of judicial assignments, noting that in Illinois

the practice for assigning judges varies from circuit to circuit. McDuffee, 187 Ill. 2d at 489.

Because our state lacks a statute or court rule requiring that the assignment of judges be made in a

formal, written fashion, Illinois courts developed a test to calculate the 10-day period set forth in

section 114--5(a). McDuffee, 187 Ill. 2d at 490. Under this test, a motion for substitution of judge

is timely if it is brought within 10 days after the date the party filing the motion could be "charged

with knowledge" that the judge at issue had been assigned to the case. McDuffee, 187 Ill. 2d at 490.

This analysis is case specific and depends upon the record presented. People v. Evans, 209 Ill. 2d
194, 216 (2004).

       In this case, we need not rely on the "charged with knowledge" test to determine when

defendant's case had been placed on the trial call of a judge, because Winnebago County's criminal

                                                -19-
No. 2--05--0819

division has a formal procedure for assigning judges. We begin by examining the local court rules

of the 17th Judicial Circuit, of which Winnebago County is part. A local court rule provides that the

assignment of cases shall be "by the chief judge as directed by general order or otherwise." 17th

Judicial Cir. Ct. R. 4 (eff. January 1, 1996). General Order 2.01 (17th Judicial Cir. Gen. Order 2.01

(eff. February 2, 2003)) governs the assignment of cases in Winnebago County's criminal division.

When the State filed its substitution motion, General Order 2.01(B)(1) provided that "[f]elony cases

will be assigned to a judge upon the filing of the indictment or information." 17th Judicial Cir. Gen.

Order 2.01(B)(1) (eff. February 2, 2003).1 Moreover, General Order 2.02(B) provided that "[a]ll

felony *** cases, when an indictment or information is filed in the Criminal Division of this court,

shall automatically and in appropriate rotation be assigned for trial and all other purposes" to a judge

assigned to the criminal division. (Emphasis added.) 17th Judicial Cir. Gen. Order 2.02(B) (eff.

February 11, 2002). Thus, when the State filed its substitution motion, a case was considered to be

placed on the trial call of a judge in Winnebago County's criminal division automatically following

the filing of the indictment or information. We note, parenthetically, that neither party cites to or

discusses these authorities.

        1
            General Order 2.01(B)(1) has since been amended and now provides that "[f]elony cases

will be considered to be placed on the trial call of the trial judge at the defendant's first court

appearance with counsel following presentment." 17th Judicial Cir. Gen. Order 2.01(B)(1) (eff.

December 4, 2006). We offer no opinion regarding the outcome of this case had the amended rule

been in effect when the State filed its substitution motion.

                                                 -20-
No. 2--05--0819

       Applying the aforementioned authorities to the case at issue, we conclude that the State's

motion for substitution of judge was timely. The record shows that defendant was charged by

criminal complaint filed on April 24, 2003, with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault

(720 ILCS 5/12--14(a)(1) (West 2002)). One day later, the parties appeared before Judge R. Craig

Sahlstrom. At that time, Judge Sahlstrom inquired whether defendant understood his rights and the

charges against him, appointed a public defender to represent defendant, and continued the matter

to May 9, 2003.

       On May 9, the parties first appeared before Judge Vecchio. At that time, the assistant State's

Attorney stated:

               "Your Honor, we're here for arraignment on Bill of Indictment. It has not gone to the

       Grand Jury yet. I don't entirely know whose case it is. Since the Court's soonest status date

       is the 23rd, I'll ask for that."

Meanwhile, on May 21, 2003, a two-count indictment was filed against defendant. When the parties

appeared before Judge Vecchio on May 23, 2003, defendant entered a plea of not guilty to both

counts. The court then queried, "I guess this is assigned to me or who?" Both parties responded in

the affirmative. Defense counsel then asked to file a motion for discovery and an answer to the

State's motion for disclosure. The matter was continued to May 30 for status.

       On May 27, 2003, the State filed a motion for substitution of judge "pursuant to 725 ILCS

5/114--5(e) [sic]." The motion alleged that the cause had been placed on Judge Vecchio's call "on

or about May 21, 2001 [sic]," and that the motion was "based on the fear that Judge Vidal [sic] is

so prejudiced against the People that [the State] cannot receive a fair hearing." The motion sought

                                               -21-
No. 2--05--0819

"a substitution of judges in this cause." (Emphasis added.) The State presented its motion to the

court on May 30. At that time, defense counsel noted that the State's motion was "confusing" and

"insufficient." Defense counsel then told Judge Vecchio that she was not disputing that the cause

was placed on his docket on May 21. However, she questioned at which judge the motion was

directed and contended that the motion cited to a nonexistent subparagraph. The State offered to file

an amended motion to include the proper statutory provision and to clarify that it was its intent to

seek the substitution of Judge Vecchio. Judge Vecchio granted the State leave to file the amended

motion and removed himself from the proceedings. An amended motion was filed on May 30. The

amended motion cited section 114--5(c) of the Code (725 ILCS 5/114--5(c) (West 2002)) and sought

the substitution of Judge Vecchio.

       Because the indictment against defendant was not filed until May 21, 2003, that is the earliest

that the case could have been assigned to a judge for trial under the local court rules in effect when

these events took place. 17th Judicial Cir. Ct. R. 4 (eff. January 1, 1996); 17th Judicial Cir. Gen.

Order 2.01(B)(1) (eff. February 2, 2003); 17th Judicial Cir. Gen. Order 2.02(B) (eff. February 11,

2002). The latest that the case could be considered assigned to a judge for trial is May 23, 2003,

when the parties appeared before the court and agreed that Judge Vecchio had been assigned to the

case. Under either scenario, the State's substitution motion was timely. The State's original

substitution motion was filed on May 27, 2003, and its amended motion was filed on May 30, 2003.

Both of these motions were therefore filed within 10 days after the cause could have been considered

to be placed on the trial call of Judge Vecchio. Because we have concluded that the State's

substitution motion was timely under section 114--5(c) of the Code, it necessarily follows that the

                                                -22-
No. 2--05--0819

trial court's decision to grant the motion did not rise to the level of plain error, as there was no error

at all in granting the motion. See People v. Wood, 341 Ill. App. 3d 599, 612 (2003) ("There can be

no plain error absent reversible error"). For the same reason, we reject defendant's claim that defense

counsel was ineffective for failing to challenge the timeliness of the State's substitution motion. See

People v. Starnes, No. 2--05--0714, slip op. at 5-6 (June 12, 2007) (pointing out that to succeed on

a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must demonstrate both that counsel's

performance was objectively unreasonable and that there is a reasonable probability that, but for

counsel's unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different).

                          B. Cross-examination of Detective Heidenreich

        Next, defendant asserts that the trial court erred when it failed to allow defense counsel to

cross-examine Heidenreich about whether he was under investigation for coercing a false confession

from a 14-year-old suspect in another case. According to defendant, the decision to bar him from

pursuing this line of questioning stymied his defense, as such evidence could have cast doubt upon

police testimony regarding defendant's use of a knife during the assault on Sherry, as well as

defendant's failure to mention having a migraine headache at the time of the interrogation or needing

his glasses to read his statement before signing it. The State responds that defendant has waived this

issue and that, in any event, evidence regarding an alleged investigation of Heidenreich in another

case is irrelevant to the voluntariness of defendant's confession in this case.

        Initially, we note that defense counsel did not raise this issue in a posttrial motion. As such,

it has been waived. Enoch, 122 Ill. 2d at 186. We also agree with the State that evidence that

Heidenreich was being investigated regarding an allegation that he had coerced a false confession

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No. 2--05--0819

from a minor in another case is irrelevant to whether the confession defendant made in this case was

voluntary.

        "While a defendant has the right to present a defense, a trial court has broad discretion in

ruling on evidence sought to be excluded as irrelevant." People v. Bohn, 362 Ill. App. 3d 485, 490

(2005). Whether evidence is relevant and admissible is a matter within the sound discretion of the

trial court. People v. Turner, 373 Ill. App. 3d 121, 124 (2007). As such, the trial court's

determination regarding the admissibility of evidence will not be reversed on appeal absent an abuse

of discretion. Green v. Lake Forest Hospital, 335 Ill. App. 3d 134, 139 (2002). "Relevant evidence

is evidence having a tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the

determination of the action more probable than it would be without the evidence." People v. Buck,

361 Ill. App. 3d 923, 938 (2005). Nevertheless, where the proffered evidence is remote, uncertain,

or speculative, the trial court in its discretion may properly reject it. People v. Ursery, 364 Ill. App.
3d 680, 686 (2006).

        In People v. Hobley, 159 Ill. 2d 272 (1994), our supreme court addressed the admissibility

of allegations of prior police brutality. In Hobley, the defendant alleged that he was physically

abused and racially harassed by a Detective Dwyer while being interrogated. The defendant sought

to introduce the testimony of others who had filed complaints against Dwyer. The State filed a

motion in limine to exclude testimony regarding prior alleged abuse by Dwyer. At the hearing on

the State's motion, the defendant presented testimony from three individuals who were allegedly

abused by Dwyer. Following the hearing, the trial court granted the State's motion, and the

defendant raised the issue on appeal before our supreme court.

                                                  -24-
No. 2--05--0819

       The supreme court held that the trial court properly excluded the testimony of the three

witnesses who alleged prior abuse by Dwyer, because it was not relevant. Hobley, 159 Ill. 2d at 312.

The court did not conclude that such evidence would always be inadmissible. However, it identified

four factors to consider in assessing the admissibility of evidence regarding prior allegations of

police brutality: (1) whether the prior allegations of police brutality were unduly remote in time from

the defendant's allegations; (2) whether the prior allegations of police brutality were against the same

officer; (3) whether the prior allegations of police brutality were similar to the allegations put forth

by the defendant; and (4) whether, in both the prior allegations of abuse and the case before the

court, there was evidence of injury consistent with police brutality. Hobley, 159 Ill. 2d at 312. In

Hobley, the evidence demonstrated that the allegations of two of the witnesses were dissimilar to the

defendant's allegations and that the allegations of the third witness were both remote in time (three

years prior to the defendant's allegations) and devoid of evidence that the witness sustained injuries

consistent with his claim of police brutality. Hobley, 159 Ill. 2d at 312.

       In this case, defendant does not allege that he was physically abused by the police. Rather,

he raises a claim of coercion. Nevertheless, we find the analysis in Hobley instructive. Adapting

the elements identified in Hobley to the facts of this case, we must assess whether the prior allegation

of coercion was remote in time from defendant's allegation, whether the prior allegation of coercion

was made against the same officer, and whether the prior allegation of coercion was similar to

defendant's allegation.

       In this case, defendant presented evidence of a prior allegation of coercion made against

Heidenreich. Defendant also suggested that the prior allegation was made recently. However, the

                                                 -25-
No. 2--05--0819

record is devoid of any claim that the techniques allegedly used to coerce defendant's confession

were similar to the techniques alleged in the prior claim against Heidenreich. The record

demonstrates that at trial, defense counsel began to ask Heidenreich whether he was "under

investigation." The State immediately objected to the question, and the trial court sustained the

objection. Outside the presence of the jurors, defense counsel told the trial court that Heidenreich

was "currently under investigation regarding a very suspicious false confession elicited from a 14

year old minor in a murder case." According to defense counsel, the confession was suspicious "as

to the techniques involved." Defense counsel stated that there was a "parallel" with what defendant

went through. The judge responded that from what he heard, he was unable to determine whether

there was anything more than a "suspicion of something" and noted that "there's no proof of anything

before the Court that this officer has been disciplined or has done anything." Defense counsel

replied that all she wanted to "get out" was that Heidenreich was "currently under investigation."

Defense counsel then had her superior address the court. He stated that the fact that Heidenreich was

under investigation goes to the detective's credibility. Ultimately, the trial court upheld its decision

to sustain the State's objection, reiterating that the fact that there is an investigation in progress

"proves nothing." The court noted that the investigation may clear Heidenreich of any misconduct,

and it stated that it did not want to "try a side issue."

        As the record above demonstrates, the only similarity between defendant's case and the prior

case is the allegation of coercion itself. Accordingly, we are not persuaded that the trial court abused

its discretion in disallowing defense counsel to cross-examine Heidenreich regarding whether he was

under investigation for coercing a confession from a suspect in another case. The cases defendant

                                                  -26-
No. 2--05--0819

cites in support of his position are easily distinguishable. For instance, in People v. Charleston, 132
Ill. App. 3d 769, 776 (1985), it was held that the trial court properly permitted the State to cross-

examine the defendant's expert witness regarding a testing error made by the witness in a prior,

unrelated case. In People v. Banks, 192 Ill. App. 3d 986, 993-94 (1989), the court found evidence

of prior police brutality relevant to the defendant's case because the prior acts allegedly occurred only

13 months before the defendant's case, the same police officers were involved in the prior case and

in the defendant's case, and, most important (and unlike the present case), similar techniques of

brutality were alleged in both cases.

        Having found that the trial court's decision to disallow defense counsel to cross-examine

Heidenreich regarding whether he was under investigation for coercing a confession from a suspect

in another case was not error, we need not address defendant's alternative claim that defense counsel

was ineffective for failing to raise the issue in a posttrial motion. See Starnes, slip op. at 5-6.

                                    C. State's Closing Argument

        Finally, defendant argues that he was deprived of a fair trial because of comments made by

the prosecutor during closing argument. In particular, defendant complains about the following

remarks made by Assistant State's Attorney Glen Weber as he concluded his rebuttal closing

argument:

                "Put all of this evidence together as a whole. The human condition. Now I am going

        to ask you to send this Defendant a message: Prostitutes can be raped. Sherry [S.] was raped

        in this case because all the evidence has proven it. I am going to ask you now to reach deep

        down and be human and have some compassion for someone who does have some dignity

                                                  -27-
No. 2--05--0819

       to protect. This Defendant tried to strip her of her last vestige of human dignity. You can

       help restore that dignity with your verdict."

Defendant contends that the State's closing argument was improper because it constituted a direct

appeal to the jurors' sympathies. Defendant notes that these comments were the last words the jury

heard from either party before retiring to deliberate, and he reasons that because he presented a

tenable claim to the jury that his contact with Sherry was consensual, an emotional appeal for

compassion or sympathy could well have convinced the jury to return a verdict of guilty.

       The State responds initially that defendant has failed to preserve this issue for review as

defense counsel did not object to the complained-of remarks at trial and she did not raise the issue

in a posttrial motion. Alternatively, the State asserts that the prosecutor's isolated remarks were not

prejudicial and that, in any case, they were provoked by defense counsel's attempts to disparage the

victim during her closing argument.

       We agree with the State that defendant waived this issue by failing to object to the remarks

at trial and raise the issue in a posttrial motion. Enoch, 122 Ill. 2d at 186; People v. Swart, 369 Ill.

App. 3d 614, 636 (2006); Wood, 341 Ill. App. 3d at 612. Defendant concedes that he procedurally

defaulted this issue. However, he once again urges us to consider this issue under the plain-error

doctrine. We note that the standard for reversal due to improper closing argument by the State is

much the same as the plain-error standard. People v. Libberton, 346 Ill. App. 3d 912, 922 (2004).

Thus, as we have stated on a prior occasion, the failure to raise such an issue before the trial court

has little effect. Libberton, 346 Ill. App. 3d at 922. Therefore, we will address the issue.

                                                 -28-
No. 2--05--0819

       In determining whether the prosecutor's closing remarks constituted error, we are guided by

the following principles. Generally, prosecutors are afforded a great deal of latitude in closing

argument. People v. Slabaugh, 323 Ill. App. 3d 723, 729 (2001). As such, the State may comment

on the evidence and all reasonable inferences drawn therefrom. People v. Blue, 189 Ill. 2d 99, 127

(2000). However, argument that serves no purpose but to inflame the jury is improper. Blue, 189
Ill. 2d at 128; Slabuagh, 323 Ill. App. 3d at 729. Moreover, it is improper for the prosecution to

direct the jury's attention away from the elements of the crime by commenting on issues irrelevant

to the question of guilt or innocence. People v. Moore, 356 Ill. App. 3d 117, 120 (2005). In a

determination of whether a prosecutor's remarks were improper, a closing argument must be viewed

in its entirety and the allegedly erroneous remarks must be viewed contextually. Blue, 189 Ill. 2d

at 128. As a general rule, an improper closing argument by the State will constitute reversible error

only if there is doubt as to whether the jury would have rendered a guilty verdict absent any improper

comments. Libberton, 346 Ill. App. 3d at 924.

       In this case, the prosecutor's exhortations that the jury have some compassion for the victim

and help her restore her dignity were based neither on the evidence presented at trial nor on a

reasonable inference from such evidence. Moreover, these issues were irrelevant to whether

defendant was guilty or innocent. As such, we find that the prosecutor's remarks were improper as

they served only to inflame the passions of the jury. See People v. Spreitzer, 123 Ill. 2d 1, 38 (1988)

(noting that the State was not free "to invite the jurors to enter into some sort of empathetic

identification with the victims"); People v. Liner, 356 Ill. App. 3d 284, 297-98 (2005) (concluding

that it was improper for the prosecutor to present closing argument that evoked sympathy for the

                                                 -29-
No. 2--05--0819

victim based on her age and urged the jury to convict the defendant to protect other children in the

county); Wood, 341 Ill. App. 3d at 614 (holding that it was improper for the State to remark during

closing argument that the jury place itself in the shoes of the victim).

         The question remains, however, whether this error rose to the level of reversible error. We

find that it did not. Defendant was convicted of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault

pursuant to section 12--14(a)(1) of the Criminal Code of 1961 (720 ILCS 5/12--14(a)(1) (West

2002)). That provision states:

                "(a) The accused commits aggravated criminal sexual assault if he or she commits

         criminal sexual assault and any of the following aggravating circumstances existed during

         *** the commission of the offense:

                        (1) the accused displayed, threatened to use, or used a dangerous weapon,

                other than a firearm, or any object fashioned or utilized in such a manner as to lead

                the victim under the circumstances reasonably to believe it to be a dangerous

                weapon[.]" 720 ILCS 5/12--14(a)(1) (West 2002).

Relevant here, an individual commits the offense of criminal sexual assault if he or she "commits

an act of sexual penetration by the use of force or threat of force." 720 ILCS 5/12--13(a)(1) (West

2002).

         In this case, defendant admitted to committing an act of sexual penetration with Sherry.

Moreover, the State presented overwhelming evidence that defendant's conduct was accompanied

by the use of force or threat of force in that defendant displayed, threatened to use, or used a knife

in the commission of the offense. According to Sherry, in April 2003, defendant drove her to a dark,

                                                -30-
No. 2--05--0819

empty parking lot and approached the passenger side of the vehicle with a knife in his right hand.

Sherry stated that the blade of the knife measured five or six inches. At that point, defendant opened

the door, instructed Sherry to leave the vehicle, and told Sherry to put her hands up and not to scream

or say anything. Defendant proceeded to penetrate Sweat orally, vaginally, and anally. Danielle and

Stacey testified to a similar series of events involving defendant, including the use of a knife.

Although defendant questions Sherry's, Danielle's, and Stacey's versions of events, which he

characterizes as "testimony from three prostitutes, two of whom were admitted cocaine addicts with

criminal records," the jury was aware of the women's stations in life. It is the function of the jury

to weigh the witnesses' testimony and assess their credibility. People v. Flowers, 306 Ill. App. 3d
259, 266 (1999). In any event, the women's stories find corroboration in other evidence presented

at defendant's trial.

        In particular, defendant provided police with two written statements on April 23, 2003, which

were read to the jury. In the first statement, defendant admitted picking up a prostitute in April 2003.

According to defendant, he and the prostitute agreed upon a price for sex. After he paid the woman,

however, she balked, stating that she would not "do anything" unless defendant paid her more

money. At that point, defendant pulled out a knife with a folding five-inch blade and told the woman

to take off her clothes. The woman complied, and defendant put away the knife. Defendant

proceeded to penetrate the woman vaginally and anally. In the second statement, defendant

explained that as a result of certain life events, he wanted to die, so he decided to contract AIDS.

To accomplish his goal, defendant began having unprotected sex with prostitutes. At some point,

defendant began to force the prostitutes to have sex with him, because he did not have any money.

                                                 -31-
No. 2--05--0819

Defendant would drive the women to a secluded location and show them a knife. These statements

corroborate the women's stories. Moreover, Frank Ciprys testified that Sherry showed up at his

doorstep shortly after midnight on April 17, 2003, repeatedly stating that she had been "raped in the

ass" and that the attacker had a knife. This evidence also corroborates that Sherry's encounter with

defendant was not consensual. While defendant points out that no one noted any cuts on Sherry, the

statute under which defendant was convicted allows for a conviction of aggravated criminal sexual

assault if the accused "display[s]" or "threaten[s] to use" a dangerous weapon. 720 ILCS 5/12--

14(a)(1) (West 2002). Given the strong case for defendant's guilt, we cannot say that there is doubt

as to whether the jury would have rendered a guilty verdict absent the improper comments.

Accordingly, we find no reversible error.

       Defendant also argues that because the prosecutor in this case "indulged in improper appeals

to sympathy" on previous occasions (see People v. Clarke, 245 Ill. App. 3d 99 (1993); Slaubaugh,

323 Ill. App. 3d 723; Libberton, 346 Ill. App. 3d 912) and has failed to heed admonishments that he

not do so, we should reverse defendant's conviction and remand for a new trial. We decline

defendant's invitation.

       Our supreme court has noted that a pattern of intentional prosecutorial misconduct may so

seriously undermine the integrity of judicial proceedings as to support reversal under the plain-error

doctrine. People v. Johnson, 208 Ill. 2d 53, 64 (2003). However, as we pointed out in Libberton,

"nowhere in Johnson did the court indicate that prior admonishments to the prosecutor regarding his

improper comments in other cases are appropriately considered in deciding a pattern of intentional

misconduct exists in the trial being reviewed." Libberton, 346 Ill. App. 3d at 938 (supplemental

                                                -32-
No. 2--05--0819

opinion on rehearing). Moreover, the isolated improper comments during the State's rebuttal closing

argument can hardly be characterized as a pattern of prosecutorial misconduct like that referenced

in Johnson. Defendant asserts that assistant State's Attorney Weber's words were the last the jury

heard from either party before retiring to deliberate. While that is true, the jurors were instructed that

neither sympathy nor prejudice should influence them, that the evidence they should consider

consists only of the testimony of the witnesses and the exhibits the court received, that closing

arguments are not evidence, and that any portion of closing arguments not based on the evidence

should be disregarded. See People v. Desantiago, 365 Ill. App. 3d 855, 865 (2006) (concluding that

trial court's instruction that closing argument does not constitute evidence mitigates any potential

prejudice arising from improper closing argument). As such, we cannot say that the impropriety in

the State's argument was of such magnitude as to deprive defendant of a fair trial. Nevertheless, we

reiterate that we do not approve of the complained-of remarks and we again urge trial judges to

vigorously guard against such improper argument and unprofessional conduct. See Libberton, 346
Ill. App. 3d at 927 (Hutchinson, J., dissenting), 939 (supplemental opinion on rehearing).

        Finally, having found that the comments identified by defendant did not deprive him of a fair

trial, we reject defendant's alternate claim that defense counsel was ineffective for failing to

challenge the remarks. See Starnes, slip op. at 5-6.

                                          III. CONCLUSION

        For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Winnebago County.

        Affirmed.

        O'MALLEY and CALLUM, JJ., concur.

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