Collinsville man guilty of sexual assault after child reported him to school social worker
A 48-year-old Collinsville man was convicted Wednesday of sexually assaulting a child between the ages of 9 and 13.
During a bench trial, Markki L. Edmonson, 48, was found guilty on four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and one count of criminal sexual assault.
The child was assaulted between Jan. 1, 2016, and Feb. 14, 2018, according to a release from the Madison County State’s Attorney’s office. The child reported the incidents to a school social worker.
In her closing argument, Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner argued that the survivor’s statements were credible and the defendant’s were not, according to the press release.
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine commended the child for their courage in bringing the case to light.
“I also commend the investigating agencies, the Madison County Child Advocacy Center, the prosecution team and the victim advocates at the State’s Attorney’s Office for working collaboratively to ensure that this (survivor’s) voice was heard,” he said in the release.
Edmonson still faces sentencing. According to Illinois sentencing guidelines, each count of predatory criminal sexual assault may carry a sentence of between 6 and 60 years in prison. The one count of criminal sexual assault is a class 1 felony, which is punishable for 4 to 15 years.
All of the counts are non-probationable and carry mandatory consecutive sentences, meaning Edmonson faces a minimum 28-year sentence, the press release said.
