Crimes involving sexual acts carry with them a social stigma that can have long-lasting effects on individuals’ personal and professional lives. A criminal sexual assault charge conviction can result in long-term consequences, such as registration as a sex offender as well as social stigma that can harm future employment prospects.
Readers in Chicago may be interested in the case of a 20-year-old martial arts instructor who works in a city in southern Illinois, and who is facing charges of sexual assault. The man was charged in federal court two weeks ago with producing child pornography. He is also charged with aggravated possession of child pornography as well as several charges involving predatory criminal assault.
According to federal prosecutors, the man had allegedly recorded himself performing sexual activity with two minors.
In addition, the martial arts instructor faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in St. Clair County, Illinois. He was also charged in Madison County, Illinois, with aggravated possession of child pornography.
It is important that those facing serious sex-related charges are aware of their legal rights and options. A well-prepared defense can help mitigate some, if not all, of the effects of a conviction and may help an individual avoid the crippling social and professional stigma associated with the charges. In cases like this, where prosecutors claim to have rock-solid evidence, it’s important to be represented by an attorney who can level the playing field and fight to make sure that people don’t jump to conclusions.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Belleville martial arts instructor faces sexual abuse, child porn charges,” Jennifer Mann, Feb. 16, 2013
