SYCAMORE – Judge Robbin Stuckert removed herself Friday from the trial of Jack McCullough, citing the need to give the public full assurance any perceived rift between her and the DeKalb County State's Attorney would not affect the outcome.

Stuckert, who found McCullough not guilty of charges of rape and indecent liberties with a child in a different case in April, was criticized by DeKalb County State's Attorney Clay Campbell for the decision. He said at the time the verdict was a "miscarriage of justice."

McCullough, 72, of Seattle, opted for a bench trial after waiving his right for a jury Tuesday and Stuckert was expected to preside over the trial.