Saturday, July 25, 2009

Raymundo Gonzalez Sentenced to 29 Years for Sexual Assault

Raymundo Gonzalez told Judge Daniel Shanes he did not sexually assault a young family acquaintance.

"I am not guilty," Gonzalez said Friday. "That is the only thing I have to say."

But that was not enough to dissuade Shanes from sentencing him to 29 years in prison.

Gonzalez was arrested by Waukegan police in June last year on allegations that he had sex with, and fondled a family acquaintance starting when she was 10 years old and which ended shortly after the girl turned 14.

Gonzalez, 50, of the 600 block of Elmwood Avenue, was found guilty in December on two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, two counts of criminal sexual assault of a child, and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Assistant State's Attorney Jim Newman told the court that Gonzalez "assaulted the pre-teen on a daily basis that caused serious harm to her."

Gonzalez testified during the trial that his confession was forced.

Newman, who said Gonzalez confessed to police that "he had a problem," demanded that the judge remand Gonzalez to prison for 42 years.

"It will deter others from committing these offenses," Newman said. "It will be valuable to the community."

Defense attorney Jed Stone wanted the court to show leniency, considering that Gonzalez had never committed a crime and that he believed the girl concocted the tales of abuse.

"This is scary," Stone said of sending an innocent man to prison. "This abuse never happened."

Gonzalez plans to appeal the decision.

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