Man facing 15 years after admitting to Cary sex assault

A Belvidere man is facing up to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to charges he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old Cary girl on New Year's Day 2007.

Joshua J. Wahmhoff, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual assault stemming from the assault, which was discovered when the girl's mother walked in on the act.

The charge is a Class 1 felony normally punishable by four to 15 years in prison or probation. But under his plea deal, Wahmhoff will receive no less than six years in prison and probation is not a sentencing option.

In return for the guilty plea, prosecutors reduced the charge from predatory criminal sexual assault, a felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Nichole Owens, criminal division chief for the McHenry County State's Attorney, said the office would seek the maximum at Wahmhoff's Dec. 12 sentencing.

"Based on the nature and circumstances of the case, and given the age of the victim, 15 years is appropriate," she said.

Owens said the act was not forced upon the girl, but because of her age she could not give consent to it.

Wahmhoff's attorney, Michael McNerney, declined to comment Tuesday.