Man gets 18 years prison for sex attack of girl

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - An East ST. Louis man has been ordered to spend 18 years in prison for kidnapping a 12-year-old girl and sexually attacking her.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports 44-year-old Terry Pittman already had been convicted of St. Clair County charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated battery of a child.

Authorities say Pittman took the victim for a drive in his car in September of last year, put her in a headlock and tried to kiss her. Investigators say he refused to take her home.

Pittman's criminal history includes convictions of drug, battery and weapons counts.

Pittman must serve 85 percent, or a little more than 15 years, before being eligible for parole. He then must register as a sex offender.