Defendant Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor

In the case of People v. Fenton, the defendant, William Fenton, was charged with three counts for the sexual abuse of a minor. According to the indictment, the state alleged that the defendant touched his stepdaughter’s sexual organs on three occasions and charged him individually for each offense. During the case, the defendant waived his right to a jury trial and elected for a bench trial which happens sometimes in cases of sexual abuse of a minor.

During the trial, the victim testified her parents had been divorced since she was 2 years old. She told the court that she spent half the time with her mother and half the time with her father. When she was 7 years old, the defendant married her mother whom she called her stepfather. The victim testified that on July 30, 2017, she told her father that she didn’t want to return to her mother’s house because her stepfather was “touching her.” The victim then called her mother and provided her with the same information. Both parents went to the police with the victim’s allegations and police interviewed the parents.

The defendant was interviewed by police and stated that he had given the victim massages, but never crossed the line. He denied touching her sexual organs or her breasts. However, the victim maintained that the defendant did, in fact, cross the line and touched her in those areas. The defendant contended that the victim did not appear uncomfortable during these massages and that if she had expressed discomfort, he would have stopped. He testified that he had taken some steps to become a massage therapist when he was younger. He stated that if his wife or the victim complained about pain, he would try to help them. He contended that the victim lied about the defendant touching her inappropriately.

During the trial, the trial court found that the victim was a credible witness but the defendant was not due to several inconsistencies. The defendant was thus found guilty on two counts of aggravated sexual assault.

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse in Illinois 

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is charged when a suspect commits a sexual act against a minor under the age of 18 and that individual is a family member or household member. In this case, the defendant was the victim’s stepfather. Under the statute, the term “family member” includes stepparents.

A charge of aggravated sexual abuse has a sentencing range of 3 to 7 years and the defendant will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives.

Talk to a Champaign, IL Sex Crimes Attorney Today 

Patel Law, PC represents the interests of those charged with sex crimes in Illinois. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you are facing serious prison time and the possibility that you will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. This will prevent you from securing housing and employment. The stakes are high. You need an attorney you can trust to advocate on your behalf. Call our Champaign criminal defense lawyers today.

Source:

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