21 Years in Prison for Herrick Resident

A Herrick resident Tuesday was sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison.

60-year-old Roger Seaton had been convicted in February 2019 of three Class X felony counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 years old. Seaton was arrested in February 2017. The case was held up by a series of delays including a change of defense attorneys.

The defense argued for several post-trial motions to be considered at Tuesday's sentencing hearing, but the motions were rejected by Judge Don Sheafor. 

State's Attorney Josh Morrison requested the maximum 30-year sentence on each count, while defense attorney Monroe McWard asked for sentences near the minimum six-year term on each count. Sheafor sentenced Seaton to seven years in prison on each of the three counts. Seaton will have to serve at least 85% of his sentences, meaning close to 18 years.