Elk Grove man gets 18 years for rape

An Elk Grove Village man found guilty of sexually assaulting his wife's friend was sentenced Monday to 18 years in prison, even as his attorneys filed an appeal of his conviction.

William Rouse, 30, must serve at least 85 percent of the 18-year sentence, the lowest term he could have received for his March conviction on three sexual assault charges. The maximum was 90 years.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Fecarotta said he took into account that Rouse is the father of two young children and has no other history of violence in his criminal record.

But the judge also said he believes Rouse has a drug and alcohol problem and he had “bamboozled” the family members who still support him.

“The defendant sits here and I don't believe he's remorseful,” Fecarotta said. “I wonder if the people who wrote these letters (of support) realize how horrible this case is. It's like they're living in a dream state.”

Rouse's family complained afterward that testimony about the presence of drugs during the Sept. 10 attack — which prosecutors had called a character assassination of the victim during the trial — was subsequently used against him Monday at sentencing.

Rouse's father, also named William Rouse, said he believes his son drinks too much when he's partying but doesn't have a drug problem.

“The sentence was the best that it could be,” said the elder Rouse. “As far as justice being served, I don't believe it was.”

Cook County prosecutors say Rouse sexually assaulted the 27-year-old woman, who was his wife's friend and co-worker, after a get-together at his family's Elk Grove Village home. The woman testified at trial that Rouse's wife had invited her to stay overnight so they could drive to work together the next day.

She said that at about 5 a.m., several hours after Rouse's wife had gone to bed and another guest had left, Rouse pulled her hair as they sat together on a couch, pushed her face into the seat cushions and sexually assaulted her while telling her “I'll snap your ... neck.”

She eventually broke free and ran for help.

The victim delivered a tearful statement during Monday's sentencing hearing about the physical and psychological pain she suffered. Rouse showed no emotion as the woman told of how she'd lost her independence, trust in others and even her ability to sleep properly at night.

“I feel like I'm the one being punished,” she said, addressing Rouse directly. “How am I ever going to feel safe and normal again?”