Collinsville woman sexually abused minor over four years, charges allege
A Collinsville woman has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor over a four-year period, police say.
Sharilyn A. Whittaker, 65, was faces four counts of criminal sexual assault, all class 1 felonies, and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a class 2 felony.
According to Troy Police, who led the investigation alongside Madison County Assistant State’s Attorney Kathleen Nolan, the charges date back to a series of encounters from June 2006 through April 2010.
Police said Whittaker used her “position of trust, authority or supervision as a family friend of the victim” to have sexual contact with the minor several times.
The charges stemmed from interviews with both the minor and Whittaker.
“For so many victims of sexual assault, it can take years to finally reach the point where they are able to tell their story and begin the path through the justice system to vindication,” said Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons in a statement. “When victims are heard and supported, we have an opportunity to connect them with a support system that allows them to continue their path to healing.
“As a community, we have to continue to provide these opportunities and remain vigilant to listen for the voices of those who have been victimized, so they can have their day in court and their opportunity for justice.”
Whittaker turned herself into the Troy Police Department. Her bond was set at $250,000. She posted a cash bond and has been released on the terms she would not have any contact with the victim.
According to Gibbons, the maximum penalty for a Class 1 felony is 15 years per count. Both counts, if convicted, would required Whittaker to register as a lifetime child sex offender.