Former CLTV broadcaster's conviction overturned

A former CLTV producer's conviction for solicitation of a minor has been overturned by an Illinois appellate court, his attorney said Tuesday.

Robert Goldman of Aurora was convicted of solicitation of a minor for sex after he arranged to meet what he thought was a 15-year-old girl but in fact was an undercover Lake County state's attorney's investigator.

Goldman's lawyer, Thomas Brandstrader, argued the jury was not properly instructed as to what they needed to find regarding Goldman's intent in order to find him guilty. An Illinois appellate court agreed, and in a May 30 ruling, threw out two counts and ordered a new trial on the other four remaining counts.

Goldman was sentenced to probation for his crime and has already served that sentence, Brandstrader said.

The Lake County state's attorney can appeal, retry the case or drop it.

"We have been informed of the decision of the appellate court," said Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Patricia Fix. "We are waiting to see the entire decision before we decide to ask the Supreme Court to review the case."

Brandstrader said his client was happy about the ruling.

"This type of offense obviously scares people, repulses people. Rob made a mistake (but) he never touched anybody or hurt anybody," said Brandstrader.