Altamont Man Found Guilty of Sexual Assault in Marion County

A Marion County Jury deliberated more than five hours Tuesday afternoon and evening before finding 35-year-old Mark Redfern of Altamont guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault of a three-year-old girl.

The jury found Redfern not guilty of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in connection with a separate incident on the same girl. Judge Mark Stedelin set sentencing for April 7. Redfern faces six to 30 years in prison on the non-probationable Class X charge. Redfern's $15,000 cash bond was revoked and he was remanded to the Marion County Jail pending his sentencing hearing. He was arrested on the outstanding warrant in October 2013.

Marion County Assistant State's Attorney Melissa Doran handled the prosecution. Doran presented evidence from the now five-year-old victim via closed circuit TV. The victim's step-sister, who is now 16, testified to sexual abuse Redfern allegedly committed against her when she was seven to nine years old. The victim's mother, who initially made the disclosure, testified along with the Illinois State Police agent who handled the investigation. Agent Holly Finney played a video interview of what the three-year-old had told her prior to the warrant being issued for Redfern's arrest.

Public Defender Matt Chancey presented testimony from Redfern's mother who said she was present in the house at the time the sexual acts allegedly occurred and she saw nothing unusual. Redfern took the stand in his own defense and denied assaulting or abusing the victim.

The trial took two days to complete.