Molestation 7 Years Ago

[MommaCass6]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: St. Clair County Illinois.

In 2004 I was 17 and was molested by this man that was friends with my friends. I could go into details if you would like but my main question is if I can report it and if it would proceed to trial. I can not remember his name but know people who do. Both are past friends, one is on parole. I have tried contacting people for their number, but so far no luck. If I report it to the cops can they track down my old friends for the name. Also the only evidence I can think of is my story of what happened and that I told my old friend about it the next day (the one who knows his name) and her boyfriend. The guy was a drug dealer then so I guarantee he has a record as well. What are my options. I just do not want to go down to the police station and tell them how someone molested me but I do not know his name. I would feel stupid!

[cdwjava]

First, how old was the suspect at the time? How often did these acts occur, and under what circumstances?

Second, when you say you were "molested" what exactly do you mean? That term means different things to different people. the specifics of the action will determine the offense and what statue of limitations might apply.

And if you wait until you can find out his name you may lose the ability to pursue the matter. The police might be able to track him down better than you can if you provide them with the contact info of the people you think might know who he is.

[Conrad Hunter]

If you were sexually assaulted the Statute of Limitations for criminal charges is 20 years from your 18th birthday in IL.
The SOL for a civil action is 10 years from your 18th birthday.
IL has some of the longest SOL's in the nation.
I would not try to do any investigation myself, that would subject you to risk and could compromise the case. Leave it to the police, they have the resources and training to do it properly.

[pat2899]

If you were 17 - 17 is the age of consent in Illinois - unless he used strong arm tactics or threats there is no violation of law.

[cdwjava]

Still waiting to hear about the ages, what happened, and how it happened. It may not be a sexual act at all.

[MommaCass6]

I was 17 he was probably at least 21. Here is what happened.... I was asleep on a couch at my friends. He was sleeping on the other end of the couch. The couch was an L shaped so it was really big. Something woke me up and I noticed he was touching my vagina. It scared me because I didn't know what to do so I pretended to be asleep. He continued to flick my labia and pry his finger inside my vagina as if it was a toy. I thought if I moved he might back off and leave me alone. So I pretend to kick a bit and he backed off. It was the creepiest thing I ever seen. He backed away like an animal. If you think how lions prey on animals it looked just like that but in reverse. I thought he had quit so I continued to lay there. Then he came back like an animal and continued molesting me. Eventually he stopped and went to bed. At the time I didn't even know what molestation was. I thought there was only rape which you physically fought against. Therefore since I just laid there I thought it was my fault that I didn't stop it. It wasn't till I was older that I knew what had happened. I saw him 2 more times randomly but was to scared to say anything. Now 'Im older and I want to put into my past by getting some justice.

[cdwjava]

Start by reporting it to the agency that had jurisdiction at the location where the act occurred.

Whether they can successfully charge or prosecute him or not really depends on whether or not they can verify what happened sufficiently to make a case.