Elgin man convicted of sexually assaulting and abusing a child younger than 13

An Elgin man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting and abusing a girl under the age of 13.

Jacob R. Gutierrez, 35, of the 200 block of Douglas Avenue, was convicted of four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse by Judge John Barsanti following a bench trial, according to a Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office news release said.

The situation was revealed after the victim notified an adult, who in turn contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the release said.

Gutierrez faces a possible prison term of six to 60 years for each count of predatory criminal sexual assault and three to 14 years for aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Per state law, he also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, the release said.

Gutierrez’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 28. He is being held in the Kane County jail.

“This victim rightfully placed her trust in an adult to help her stop her abuse,” Assistant State’s Attorney Stacey Wittman said in a statement. “This child continued to put her trust in adults throughout this process and bravely testified against her abuser in court.”