Arrest in Sexual Assault in Mattoon

An arrest has been made in connection with a sexual assault in Mattoon.

34-year-old Richard L. Coffey of Mattoon was arrested at 8:45pm Thursday. Coffey was arrested on a charge of aggravated unlawful restraint and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault.

Police allege that Coffey picked up a woman in his car Wednesday evening and then held her against her will while armed with a knife. Coffey is also alleged to have bound the woman with duct tape and beat her while inside the car. He then allegedly sexually assaulted her while holding her at knifepoint.

The woman, who is in her 20s, suffered cuts and bruises to her face. She was admitted to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. She has since been discharged, and police say she is expected to recover.

In court Friday, Coffey's bond was set at $200,000. He is next due in court for a preliminary hearing on January 24.