Homeless man sentenced in assault on 82-year-old

A 30-year prison sentence has been handed down to a homeless man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting an 82-year-old woman who helped him with food and money in the Southwest suburbs.

Dennis Dodson pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated criminal sexual assault for the September 2011 attack in an Orland Park vacant lot.

Prosecutors said the victim was walking along a path when she encountered the 36-year-old Dodson. She gave him $5, went home to collect other items, including food and money, found Dodson and gave them to him. She also sought shelter for the man and called police.

When she encountered Dodson the next day, he became agitated when she told him of her actions. He grabbed her and assaulted her.

Dodson was later arrested, and the woman identified him as her assailant.