Libertyville man gets 3 years for molesting 8-year-old girl

A 69-year-old Libertyville man was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday for molesting an 8-year-old girl.

In spite of the fact that it was David Higgins' first criminal offense and he entered sex offender treatment shortly after his arrest, Circuit Judge George Bridges said he believed the prison sentence was necessary.

Higgins told a therapist, who was preparing a report on him for the court, that he believed the girl was trying to seduce him and he had molested her in a weak moment. The therapist called police.

"It seems to me, that at 69 years of age, you would understand that you should not find your hands on an inappropriate part of an 8-year-old's body," Bridges said. "But you put this in motion, you let this happen."

Waukegan attorney Greg Nikitas argued for probation, saying Higgins, of 703 Caliente St., had been pursuing sex offender counseling with a professional and was involved in other programs at his church.

Higgins asked Bridges to show him what he called "undeserved mercy," in imposing the sentence.

"Words can not express my agony, shame and remorse for my sin and the crime that has brought me before you," Higgins said. "I knew the only way to handle this was to admit my guilt and get the appropriate help."

Assistant State's Attorney Ken LaRue said Higgins, who pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse, would not succeed in treatment because of his attitude toward the crime.

"He took advantage of a child's emotional needs, then made statements that blamed the child," LaRue said. "It is a clear indication of his unfitness for probation and treatment."

LaRue recommended a prison sentence of at least three years.