Lake in the Hills man sexually assaulted girl ‘multiple’ times, gave her a wedding ring, authorities say
Prosecutors have accused a Lake in the Hills man of sexually assaulting a child over several years and buying her a wedding ring to wear out of jealousy, while his defense attorney says the accusations were made with a vague timeline.
Joshua A. Knight, 41, made his first appearance on Wednesday before Judge Cynthia Lamb. The judge denied his pretrial release.
He is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child younger than 18 and criminal sexual assault of a child 13 to 17 years old, each a Class 1 felony, according to the criminal complaint in the McHenry County court.
In arguing for Knight to remain in county jail while he awaits his trial, Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel Conroy said the allegations show “a truly detailed and disturbing history of abuse.”
The alleged abuse began when the child was about 12 and lasted until she was about 16, Conroy said, adding Knight told the girl that if anyone found out about his actions “he would rather kill himself than go to jail.”
According to the criminal complaint, Knight “engaged in multiple acts” of sexual assault with the child between Jan. 1, 2017, and June 23 of this year.
Conroy said Knight took “significant measures” to avoid getting caught, bought the girl a wedding ring, and wanted her to wear it because he was jealous. He said Knight is a flight risk and a danger and should be detained.
However, Knight’s attorney, Adam Sheppard, said Knight has no criminal history and strong local ties, in arguing for his pretrial release with “the strictest of conditions.” The attorney suggested that Knight be fitted with a GPS device, restricted from the internet and ordered to be on home confinement at his parents’ home.
Sheppard said the accusations involve discrepancies, a vague time frame, and lack “specificity.” He also said they are “not corroborated” by text messages or physical evidence, and there is no indication of any threat of force.
In detaining Knight, Lamb wrote in the detention order that “GPS and home confinement would not prevent defendant from coming into contact with others. Prohibiting internet access is not (practical) where there is internet available so easily.”
Knight is due in court Aug. 6. If convicted, he could be sentenced to four to 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines, or up to 30 years in prison if he’s found eligible for an extended term, the judge said.