Ex-Rolling Meadows firefighter pleads guilty to sexual assault

Former Rolling Meadows firefighter Donald Naughton received a four-year jail sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to criminal sexual assault and official misconduct.

A 10-year veteran of the fire department, Naughton, of the 4200 block of Greenfield Lane, Lake in the Hills, pleaded guilty to the charges in exchange for the state's attorney's office nullifying other charges. Among those charges was unlawful restraint.

Criminal sexual assault, a felony, has a minimum sentence of four years and a maximum sentence of 15 years.

Assistant State's Attorney Karyn Stratton said the victim, then 16, had requested to join the department's Explorer program for children wishing to pursue careers as firefighters or paramedics, which was led by Naughton, now 40. In June of 2006, the victim and several friends met with the defendant and he asked them to try on firefighter clothing. Naughton managed to get the victim alone where he kissed, fondled her and forced her to perform oral sex.

Stratton said Naughton admitted the contact and to knowing that the victim was a minor.

She said the victim immediately told a friend but did not tell authorities until she was 18 because of fear that her future as a firefighter would be in jeopardy. Naughton was arrested in late December 2008.

The victim and her family were not present Tuesday but Stratton said the victim would have testified had the case gone to trial.

Naughton declined to address the court. He will receive credit for one day served before posting bond and can still appeal the decision.

Cook County Judge Thomas Fecarotta acknowledged Naughton's former position.

"I'm sorry to see this happen," Fecarotta said.