A man faces a mandatory life sentence after a jury found him guilty on Friday of sexually assaulting three children in a 2018 North Chicago incident.
Maurice Thompson, 32, of North Chicago, was found guilty Friday by a jury of seven counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13, a Class X felony.
Thompson was charged in October 2018 after the North Chicago Police Department investigated a sexual assault incident involving multiple children, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said.
A judge set Thompson’s bond at $500,000 and he has been held in the Lake County Jail since his arrest.
A jury trial began last Monday and lasted until late Friday evening.
Different witnesses, including medical and forensic experts, were called to testify on behalf of the state.
The witnesses explained to the jury how the victims’ testimonies of the assault aligned with the physical injuries and evidence collected from the sexual assault nurse examiner.
The state and the defense rested their case on Thursday and delivered closing arguments on Friday.
Jury instructions were given and a guilty verdict was reached later in the evening.
The state’s attorney’s office said the seven counts of predatory criminal sexual assault involved three minor children under the age of 13.
After the verdict was delivered, Lake County Judge David Lombardo revoked Thompson’s ability to post bond.
Thompson was also initially charged with six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim aged 13 to 17, but they were dismissed by prosecutors, court records show.
The judge ordered a pre-sentence investigation prior to Thompson’s sentencing.
A status of sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 12.
Thompson faces a mandatory natural life sentence in prison.
“Thank you to the Multi-Disciplinary Team at the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center that consisted of an advocate, forensic interviewer, Assistant State’s Attorney, the North Chicago Police Department, DCFS, and the Lurie’s Hospital Medical team,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.
“They all worked together to coordinate an effective response and bring justice to these victims. The North Chicago Police Department, who worked diligently to investigate this crime, should be commended for all their hard work.”
“Advocating for children of violent crimes is an integral part of the criminal justice process. This should be at the forefront in order to ensure children are protected and safe. We are grateful these children have received justice and our office will continue to support the victims in their healing journey,” Rinehart added.