Recently, it was announced that a west suburban Chicago police officer was charged with several counts involving the alleges sexual assault of a girl younger than 13 years of age. According to CBS Chicago, David L. Wright, a police officer with Elburn for more than 20 years, has been sexually assaulting a child for more than 10 years. He has been charged with 11 counts of criminal sexual assault and 10 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault.
A statement from prosecutors allege that Wright has been sexually assaulting a child he knew since March of 2005, and the sexual assaults continued until just this month when he was arrested at his Campton Hills home. Prosecutors say when the assaults initially began, the victim was under 13. Wright has been placed on paid administrative leave with the Elburn police, pending the outcome of the investigation. According to news reports, he is currently in the Kane County Jail on a $500,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 6. Wright is 53 years old.
In Illinois, criminal sexual assault is a term used in place of rape. Offenders do not have the option of probation, as this is a non-probationable felony charge. The penalties for those found guilty include four to 15 years in prison. Predatory criminal sexual assault is more serious, with penalties that include a prison term of six to 30 years.
Sexual assault, including rape, is a crime that is punished severely in nearly every state. In Michigan, rape falls under the category of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Those convicted may face up to life in prison, however when a victim is younger than 13, the offender must spend a minimum of 25 years in prison. The penalties in Michigan are extremely harsh; anyone accused of sexual assault must consult with a seasoned criminal defense attorney in order to protect your legal rights, and fight for your freedom.
Any accusation of a sex crime is serious, and could leave the accused facing not only time behind bars, but required to register as a sex offender as well. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for alleged victims to wrongly accuse others of crimes they did not commit, sometimes out of vengeance, or in a situation where one parent is trying to gain sole custody of shared children. No matter what your situation, speak with an aggressive Michigan sex crimes lawyer immediately.