IN THE NEWS

February 4, 2006

Man pleads guilty to sexually abusing boy

 By ROB PHILLIPS
rphillips@nwherald.com

WOODSTOCK A 55-year-old Wonder Lake man pleaded guilty Friday to sexually abusing a teenage boy and was sentenced to 41/2 years in prison.
Wayne Gibbons, of 9010 Evergreen, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Prosecutors said that Gibbons performed a sexual act on a 13-year-old acquaintance on Christmas Day 2004.

Gibbons, who must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, faced a maximum seven years in prison. He was given credit for 246 days he has spent in the McHenry County Jail.

Gibbons previously was convicted on a 1989 child-pornography charge, according to court records.
Gibbons' attorney, Special Public Defender George Kililis, said that he thought the plea negotiation was appropriate.

"I think given treatment and a strong support group, the chance of him re-offending is minimal," Kililis said outside court.

Copyright 2006, Northwest Herald, The (Crystal Lake, IL). All Rights Reserved.