Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 30-year-old Chicago police officer is facing charges that he sexually abused minors. In March, the officer was charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. The Sheriff’s Department later uncovered evidence from his cell phone that he sexually abused other minors and recorded the abuse on his cell phone. The officer met his victims while working in his official capacity as a police officer in Cook County. He has since been charged with aggravated sexual abuse, two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor, and manufacturing child pornography. Investigators say that he invited the minors to spend the night at his home.
Aggravated Sexual Abuse
Illinois employs severe penalties for those who are convicted of sexual assault. Defendants face years in prison when convicted of sex crimes in Illinois. Judges are never authorized to grant probation in these cases. Prison time is required by law. In these cases, a defendant will serve a minimum of four years on the least aggressive charges filed against them. All defendants are required to register as sex offenders.
In this case, the officer is accused of abusing a position of power over the victims. He was acting in his official capacity as a police officer when he assaulted the minors.
Aggravated sexual abuse is defined under 710 ILCS 5/12-16. To qualify under the statute, any of the following must be true:
- The defendant displays or threatens to use a weapon during the sexual assault
- The defendant causes bodily harm to the victim
- The victim is disabled
- The victim has a profound intellectual disability
- The defendant threatens the life of the victim
- The defendant sexually abuses the victim while carrying out another felony
- The defendant uses a controlled substance during the assault
- The victim is under the age of 18 and the defendant is a family member
- The victim is between the ages of 13 and 17 and the defendant is under the authority of the perpetrator
- The victim is under the age of 13
- The victim is between the ages of 13 and 17 and the defendant uses force or the threat of force
- The defendant commits an act of sexual penetration on a victim between the ages of 13 and 17
In this case, the defendant is accused of abusing his position of authority and committing an act of sexual penetration against a victim who is between the ages of 13 and 17. As a police officer in a position of trusted authority, the stakes for the defendant are much higher. He is accused of using his position of authority to lure teenagers into sexual situations. He faces decades behind bars if convicted of these offenses.
Talk to a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Illinois, call David Freidberg today at (312) 560-7100. We have helped several individuals charged with serious crimes defend themselves against the charges. We can help you secure a reduced plea or defeat the charges in court. Call our office today to learn more.
