Wheaton man pleads guilty to assaulting two girls in Elburn

A Wheaton man admitted Thursday to raping two young girls he was supposed to look after in Elburn.

Francis G. Nolen, 34, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal sexual assault and predatory criminal sexual assault in exchange for a 25-year prison sentence. The negotiated plea was accepted by Kane County Associate Judge Leonard J. Wojtecki.

Prosecutors said Nolen made sexual contact with two girls who were younger than 13 while acting as their baby sitter between January 2007 and March 2008 in Elburn. The assaults took place separately and in different locations, according to the state's attorney.

Nolen, who was credited for 392 days already served, faced up to 30 years in prison if convicted at trial. By statute, he must serve at least 85 percent of his 25-year sentence, or about 21 years.

Upon his release, Nolen also must register for life as a predatory sex offender.