MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A Pottstown man is accused of illegally recording two children in a Montgomery County courtroom while they testified during a hearing about sexual abuse.
The investigation began when authorities listened to a recorded prison phone call where they say Dontaue Jackson, 41, of Laurel Street in Pottstown, told his friend, Andrew Lochetto, he made the recording. The ongoing sexual abuse investigation is against Lochetto.
Investigators then reviewed video from a courthouse hallway where they say they saw Jackson walk out of the courtroom holding a red hat that covered his phone.
When they searched Jackson’s phone, they say they found a 52-minute recorded voice memo from inside the courtroom.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele says it’s illegal for anyone to record proceedings in a courtroom.
“We try to make a courtroom a safe space for our victims, and especially children. And this individual tried to create a space where it was not safe, and he now faces charges for his crimes,” Steele said.
Jackson is charged with unlawful use of an audio or video device in court.
Court records show Lochetto is awaiting sentencing on felony charges, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with someone under 16 and indecent assault of a person under 13.