Bethalto woman who sexually abused children with her husband sentenced to 75 years
A woman who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing children with her husband in their Bethalto home has been sentenced for the crimes.
Andrea S. Leisgang, 38, was sentenced to 75 years in prison on March 20 after pleading guilty on Feb. 5 to one count of criminal sexual assault and one count of predatory criminal sexual assault, a news release from Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons’ office stated Tuesday.
Andrea Leisgang was indicted in December 2018 with nine counts of criminal sexual assault and six counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. She and her husband, Jeremy Leisgang, were accused of sexually assaulting three girls and one boy at their home beginning in 2016.
Jeremy Leisgang was charged with 15 counts of criminal sexual assault and 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child at the time. He pleaded guilty in October to four counts of criminal sexual assault and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
According to the release, Andrea Leisgang was only charged for the hands-on acts she committed against two of the four victims her husband was charged with abusing. During pre-trial motions, however, evidence came out to show she had knowledge of the acts perpetrated against the other two children.
The plea agreement was reached after consultation with the victims and their families, the release stated.
Andrea Leisgang will also have to register as a sex offender for life. She filed for divorce from Jeremy Leisgang in October 2018.
Fitz, the Madison County Courthouse facility dog, accompanied the victims during court proceedings, the release stated.
“The children in this case connected with Fitz very early and were always excited to see him,” the release stated. “During the sentencing hearing, Fitz sat with the children before and after they gave their victim impact statements detailing the physical and mental pain they endured because of the cruel actions of the defendant.”
Also present at the hearing were the Bikers Against Child Abuse, who, according to the release, provided physical and emotional support to the victims who were present in court.
This story was originally published April 14, 2020 at 12:15 PM.
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