A Third Lake man faces up to 45 years in prison after a judge on Wednesday found him guilty of beating and sexually assaulting a woman inside a residence in Third Lake.
Andres Leyva, 31, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault causing bodily harm and criminal sexual assault by force.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded on September 19, 2020, to a report of a female victim who had been sexually assaulted.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said at the time that the victim told deputies that Leyva had sexually assaulted her.
During the assault, Leyva also reportedly physically battered the woman, Covelli said.
The incident occurred at a residence in Third Lake.
Covelli said that the victim received medical treatment for the attack and sexual assault.
Sheriff’s detectives responded to the scene and collected evidence of the incident. They learned that Leyva was an acquaintance of the victim.
Leyva, of the 200 block of Windjammer Lane in Third Lake, was taken into custody the same day of the attack.
A bench trial concluded in the case on Wednesday with Lake County Judge Patricia Fix finding Leyva guilty on both charges, which are a Class X felony and Class 1 felony.
The trial began on Monday and Fix heard from five state witnesses, including medical experts.
They explained how the victim’s testimony of the assault aligned with the injuries and evidence collected from the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner’s examination.
Leyva took the stand Wednesday morning to testify in the trial.
Assistant State’s Attorney John Brown cross-examined Leyva, who admitted that the testimony he gave on the stand was different than the statement he gave to detectives when he was originally questioned in September 2020.
Leyva has been held in the Lake County Jail on a $300,000 bond since his arrest. After the verdict, Fix revoked his ability to post bond.
A pre-sentence investigation will be conducted prior to the next hearing on July 12.
Leyva faces a prison sentence of 10-45 years, which will be served at 85%.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said his office dedicated “significant litigation resources” to this trial after an “excellent” investigation by the sheriff’s office.
“I am proud of our trial team’s work in securing justice for the survivor. Our outstanding victim-support professionals who have been working with the survivor since this attack in 2020, will continue to support her,” Rinehart said.
“This offender will be incarcerated because of the survivor’s bravery. We know many sexual attacks are not reported, but our office and Lake County law enforcement will pursue and prosecute anyone who violates the bodily autonomy of another,” he added.