Man who assaulted 3 children in North Chicago could spend rest of life in prison

A 32-year-old man charged with sexually assaulting three children under the age of 13 in North Chicago was found guilty on all counts by a Lake County jury, officials said Monday.

Maurice Thompson faced seven counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.

Because there was more than one victim, the maximum punishment a judge could set is life in prison, according to the news release from the Lake County state's attorney's office.

Thompson was charged in October 2018 by North Chicago police after officers learned of a sexual assault there that involved more than one minor.

Thompson was in Lake County jail for more than four years before the trial, which began and concluded last week, officials said.

At trial, prosecutors argued that testimony from the young sexual assault victims matched physical evidence collected by investigators.

"We are grateful these children have received justice and our office will continue to support the victims in their healing journey," State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement.

The first of what could be several hearings preceding Thompson's sentencing is set for December 12.