Man Recorded Child Sex Abuse Victim's Testimony In Montco Court: DA

POTTSTOWN, PA — A Pottstown man who was in the courtroom illegally recorded the testimony of two children who were describing how they were sexually assaulted, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said Monday.

Dontaue Jackson, 41, of Pottstown, faces numerous charges related to the incident.

The incident occurred in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown on July 9.

The testimony involved a case against Andrew Lochetto, 39, of Norristown, who was charged with numerous counts of child rape.

During the hearing, Jackson recorded a 52 minute voice memo that explicitly described the abuse, according to authorities.

“This defendant’s actions were not only illegal because cameras are not permitted in PA courts, but they also jeopardized the integrity of the judicial process and the privacy of these young victims.” DA Kevin Steele said in a statement. “The courtroom must be a safe space for victims, especially children, to tell their stories without fear of being recorded or retraumatized.”

Detectives learned of the recording after Jackson told Lochetto about it during a recorded prison phone call on July 17, the DA said.

Authorities did not suggest a specific motive for Jackson's recording.

Jackson was charged with unlawful use of an audio or video device in court and possessing an instrument of crime. He was arraigned on Aug. 19 and released on $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 27.