Man charged with rape pleads guilty to lesser charge, gets 18 months prison
A man accused of a knife point rape in Geneva in February 2017 pleaded guilty last month to a less severe felony charge and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Howard S. Flint Jr., 55, could be released by June 4, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections, after he gets credit for time served at the Kane County jail and good behavior.
In mid-December, Flint had a court date in which prosecutors were to argue to increase his $50,000 bond because he had been viewing his accuser's LinkedIn account and sending her messages.
While free on bond, Flint was to have no contact with the woman, who has obtained an order of protection against Flint through June 2022.
Flint pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint, punishable by one to three years in prison. Probation was an option, and he does not have to register as a sex offender.
Prosecutors said this week the victim and defendant had a relationship and living together - though estranged - on the 200 block of Westhaven Circle. Prosecutors said Flint went into the victim's bedroom, shut the door and kissed her, pressed his body against hers and wouldn't let her leave.
More severe charges - some of which carried a punishment of up to 30 years in prison and registration as a sex offender - were dismissed as part of the victim's wishes, prosecutors said.
Flint was initially charged with brandishing a knife and then raping her. Afterward, the woman told Flint she was going to get cigarettes and then called authorities, police said.
Prosecutors dismissed other felony charges including aggravated criminal sexual assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated unlawful restraint and intimidation.
Flint also was charged with misdemeanor aggravated assault and domestic battery, which were dropped as part of the plea agreement which was approved by Judge David Kliment, records show.