Man gets probation for Gurnee child molestation

A South Carolina man was sentenced to a second, concurrent probationary term on a separate charge involving the molestation of a Gurnee girl.

Lake County Circuit Judge James Booras ordered Jason Jinkins, 35, to serve the same 30-month probationary term Jinkins agreed to serve when he pleaded guilty on June 9 to another crime involving the same girl.

Jinkins, who was dating the girl's mother when he lived in this area in 2005 and 2006, pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual abuse.

At the time of the plea, Assistant State's Attorney Bolling Haxall agreed to 30 months of probation for the aggravated criminal sexual abuse charge.

However, Haxall and defense attorney James Schwarzbach could not agree on a term for Jinkins on the criminal sexual abuse charge.

On Tuesday, Haxall asked Booras to impose a prison sentence of three years for the second charge, saying it would impress upon Jinkins the seriousness of his offenses.

But Schwarzbach said the original 30 months of probation was sufficient punishment for his client, who has entered sex offender treatment and is making progress.

The defendant's brother, Richard Jinkins, also told Booras his brother is now living with him and working for his Milwaukee-based construction company.

Booras agreed to let the probation stand, but warned Jinkins he could still face prison if he violates any conditions of the sentence.

Haxall said Jinkins will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.