WINNEBAGO COUNTY (WIFR) -- Today it was announced that 70-year-old Ronald L. Jones was found guilty of 2 counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (one involving a firearm) and 1 count Aggravated Unlawful Restraint after a jury trial in front of Judge Collins.

On December 19, 2009 the South Beloit Police Department and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched in reference to an Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault that occurred in South Beloit. Officers learned that a woman was sexually assaulted and beaten with a handgun and unlawfully restrained. The victim identified the defendant as the person who assaulted her.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault is a Class X Felony with a sentencing range of 6-30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Due to the defendants prior criminal record he is extended term eligible and the sentencing range increases to 6-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Also, because the offense involved the use of a firearm enhanced sentencing applies and the minimum sentence the defendant will receive is 21 years (truth in sentencing applies). Aggravated Unlawful Restraint is a Class 3 Felony with a sentencing range of 2-5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections however due to the defendants prior criminal record enhanced sentencing applies and the sentencing range increases to 2-10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections which will be served consecutively and the defendant will be registered as a sex offender.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2013.