Elgin man faces possible life sentence in sex assault case

A 31-year-old Elgin man has been convicted of sexually assaulting two children and faces the prospect of life in prison.

A Kane County jury on Friday found José A. Tamayo, of the 200 block of Illinois Court, guilty of three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

A life sentence is mandatory because he has been convicted of sexually assaulting multiple victims.

Prosecutors said that between January 2018 and May 2019, Tamayo sexually assaulted the two victims younger than 13, both of whom Tamayo knew.

Tamayo remains in custody at the Kane County jail, where he has been held in lieu of $250,000 since his arrest. Judge Salvatore LoPiccolo Jr. revoked his bond upon conviction.

LoPiccolo set Tamayo's next court appearance for 1:30 p.m. on April 22 for motions and sentencing.

In addition to the prison term, Tamayo must register for life as a sex offender.

"I cannot say enough about the bravery shown by these two young victims, who were assaulted by someone who was in charge of their care," said Kane County Assistant State's Attorney Matthew Rodgers. "Their dedication to the truth means this defendant will not be able to abuse any other children."