St. Charles man convicted of sex assault

A St. Charles man convicted this week of fondling a woman against her will faces up to 15 years in prison. Patrick M. Benner, 38, was found guilty of criminal sexual assault Tuesday at the conclusion of a two-day bench trial before Kane County Judge Timothy Sheldon.

Patrick M. Benner, 38, was found guilty of criminal sexual assault Tuesday at the conclusion of a two-day bench trial before Kane County Judge Timothy Sheldon.

Authorities charged Benner with the Class 1 felony nearly three years ago, after police were notified of the Dec. 17, 2005, assault by a hospital where the victim sought a sexual assault examination.

In a police interview, Benner later admitted to touching the woman, now 27, in a sexual manner without her consent while she and two other people spent the night at his townhouse on the 800 block of Stuarts Drive in St. Charles. He waived his right to a jury trial.

Benner, who remains free on $2,500 bond, faces a prison term of between four and 15 years in prison at sentencing on Nov. 20, officials said.

"This verdict brings justice to the victim and sends a message to anyone who would try to take advantage of someone who does not consent," Assistant State's Attorney David Belshan, who prosecuted the case with Assistant State's Attorney Liz Miles, said in a statement Wednesday.