Elgin man guilty of raping 3 girls

An Elgin man was sentenced to 19 years in prison Thursday for sexually assaulting three young girls.

Martin Balderas-Nieves, 37, of the 200 block of Franklin Boulevard, pleaded guilty in Kane County to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault and two counts of criminal sexual assault.

Prosecutors said Balderas-Nieves sexually assaulted two girls younger than 17 and a third girl younger than 13 over a period of nearly four years, beginning in April 2004. Authorities said the victims were known to him.

According to an agreement with prosecutors, Balderas-Nieves was sentenced to six years each for the charges involving the girls younger than 17, and seven years for the charge involving the girl younger than 17.

Assistant State's Attorney Deb Bree said the plea agreement was made "with a lot of contemplation" and with the consent of the victims' family members.

"I hope it brings them some closure so they can begin the healing process," she said.

By law, Balderas-Nieves must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, or just more than 16 years, and register as a sex offender for life.

Prosecutors said he also faces deportation upon his release from prison.