A 41-year-old man from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, has been arrested following allegations of illegally recording the testimonies of two child victims during a sexual assault hearing. The investigation commenced on July 17, 2023, when an Assistant District Attorney from Montgomery County discovered a prison call between Donataue Jackson and Andrew Lochetto that indicated Jackson had recorded the children’s testimony against Lochetto.
Detectives traced the phone number associated with Jackson and confirmed his presence in the courtroom through video surveillance during the children’s testimonies. On August 12, investigators executed a search warrant on Jackson’s cellphone, recovering a significant 52-minute voice memo containing the personal accounts of the two children as they detailed the abuse they experienced.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele expressed grave concerns regarding Jackson’s actions, stating, “This defendant’s actions were not only illegal because cameras are not permitted in Pennsylvania courts, but they also jeopardized the integrity of the judicial process and the privacy of these young victims.” He emphasized that courtrooms must serve as safe environments for victims, particularly children, allowing them to share their experiences without the fear of being recorded or further traumatized.
Jackson now faces multiple charges, including Unlawful Use of an Audio or Video Device in Court and Possessing an Instrument of Crime. He was arraigned on August 19, 2023, before Magisterial District Judge Cathleen Kelly Rebar, who set his bail at $10,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Hakim K. Jones.
The case has sparked discussions around the need for stricter regulations to protect the privacy of victims in sensitive legal matters. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring a secure and respectful environment for those who bravely come forward to share their experiences.
