Sauer's attorneys asking for more evidence from prosecutors
Lawyers for a former state lawmaker accused of posting lewd images of two ex-girlfriends on the internet without their consent will ask that Lake County prosecutors turn over additional evidence in the case.
Lawyers for Nick Sauer, 36, of Barrington on Monday asked in writing for a hearing in front of Judge Patricia Fix to request evidence that defense attorneys deem detrimental to the case. They also are seeking a bill of particulars outlining the charges against Sauer.
Defense attorney Steven Landis did not specifically comment, in court or afterward, on the evidence the defense team is seeking. The hearing was set for June 17.
Sauer has pleaded not guilty to a dozen charges of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. If found guilty, Sauer could be sentenced to up to three years in prison or probation, authorities said.
Sauer resigned from his District 51 seat in the state House last summer after a former girlfriend accused him of posting nude photos of her online without her consent. The unidentified woman said Sauer created an Instagram account using her name and placed the images there to lure men into graphic discussions.
A second woman - Melissa Kreithen - then came forward. Authorities said they found pictures of Kreithen posted by Sauer on Instagram.
Landis and other defense attorneys previously tried to have the first accuser's cellphone preserved for evidence, but Fix refused to do that because the phone was returned to the woman Aug. 7 after prosecutors downloaded the content of the device. That downloaded information has been given to defense attorneys.
Defense attorneys have not yet asked to preserve or investigate Kreithen's phone, but Landis said previously that he could file a court order seeking to preserve the second phone.
Sauer, a Republican, was elected to the state House in 2016. He previously served on the Lake County Board and the Barrington Unit District 220 board.
As part of his release on bond, Sauer is barred from using social media and cannot contact either accuser.