Illinois man gets 18 years for assaulting girl, 10

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) - A southwestern Illinois man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.

The Belleville News-Democrat (https://bit.ly/W6SkhI ) reports that 30-year-old Frederick Lyles of East St. Louis must serve at least 15 years and three months of the sentence imposed Monday in St. Clair County. Prosecutors sought a 30-year term.

Lyles pleaded guilty last month to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault. Prosecutors dropped a similar felony count.

During his sentencing hearing, Lyles apologized for what he did and said he accepts responsibility. He says he was sexually molested as a child.

After his prison term, Lyles must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

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Information from: Belleville News-Democrat, https://www.bnd.com