Moline man runs afoul of Ill. eavesdropping law

ROCK ISLAND — A Moline man who used a cell phone to record a police officer during a Rock Island traffic stop is caught up in Illinois’ arcane eavesdropping laws.

Jerry Johnson is charged with recording a police officer after he was pulled over for allegedly disobeying a traffic control device. The 35-year-old Johnson says he was recording the officer for his own protection when the officer noticed what he was doing.

Before Johnson entered a plea Tuesday, Rock Island Circuit Judge F. Michael Meersman recommended he waive his right to a speedy trial pending a decision by either the Illinois Supreme Court or state lawmakers that could change the eavesdropping law. Johnson did so.

Some state legislators say it’s time to rewrite the law, which faces state and federal challenges.