The Nation - News from April 25, 1985

An Illinois appeals court refused to free Gary Dotson on bond while he appeals his conviction for a rape his accuser now says never happened. A four-judge panel of the 1st District Appellate Court rejected 3 to 1 Dotson’s request for an appeal bond. Dotson’s attorney said he is trying two other legal avenues to free Dotson: a petition with Gov. James R. Thompson seeking executive clemency and a petition for a new trial. Cathleen Crowell Webb, who has recanted her rape accusation, said in Washington after the ruling that she will continue pursuing Dotson’s release until all potential avenues are explored.