Natural life sentence for man convicted of criminal sexual assault in Deerfield case

A man found guilty of two counts of criminal sexual assault in Deerfield in 2024 was sentenced Monday to natural life in prison.

Chris Butler, 44, was charged in May 2024 after Deerfield police got a report of a sexual assault at a local hotel. Police learned the victim knew the offender and there were witnesses to the attack, according to the Lake County state’s attorney’s office.

Butler fled but was located in Champaign where he was arrested. At the time, Lake County prosecutors were granted a petition for Butler to be detained. He has since been held in the Lake County jail.

At a bench trial in April 2025, Butler was found guilty of two counts of criminal sexual assault, both Class 1 felonies.

Because of a 2007 sexual offense conviction in Cook County, a sentence of natural life in prison was mandated for Butler, by state statute, according to the Lake County state's attorney's office.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors argued Butler has been a sexual predator for almost 20 years and the mandatory life sentence reflects the Illinois legislature’s decision to severely treat those who repetitively engage in sexual assault, according to the state's attorney's office.

Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said his first thoughts are with the survivor of the violent offense, who will continue to be supported.

“Next, we are satisfied that the community is safer after this life sentence,” Rinehart said.