Ottawa resident Michael W. Hughes, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
By Willow Moss
Moss and Ink | January 7, 2026, updated March 24th, 2026
OTTAWA, Ill. — Case Overview
Michael W. Hughes, 38, of Ottawa, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in LaSalle County Circuit Court. The sentencing was issued by Circuit Judge Michelle A. Vescogni on December 6, 2025. Hughes is serving his sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Details of the Case
Hughes was originally charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, Class X felonies under Illinois law, involving victims under the age of 13. Under state statute, convictions on both counts could have carried a mandatory life sentence. As part of a plea agreement, Hughes pleaded guilty to one count, which carried a maximum sentence of 30 years.
Authorities reported that the alleged offenses occurred on June 20, 2021, and August 1, 2021, involving two victims. Hughes declined to make a statement at sentencing. His defense attorney, George Leynaud, confirmed the plea avoided a potential life sentence but provided no further comment.
Investigation and Arrest
The case began when the Ottawa Police Department was alerted to a possible sexual assault of a juvenile on February 6, 2022. Follow-up interviews revealed a second victim.
Hughes was arrested February 8, 2022, at his residence in the 4100 block of Veterans Drive, Ottawa, on a LaSalle County warrant issued by the State’s Attorney’s Office. He was held on $1 million bond, requiring $100,000 cash for release, and appeared in court the following day, where he was appointed a public defender.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Hughes remained in custody for approximately 1,400 days before sentencing. Under the Illinois Truth in Sentencing Act, he is required to serve at least 85% of his sentence. The plea and sentencing resolved the case without proceeding to trial.
On December 5th,2025, Hughes pleaded guilty to count 1 ( Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, Victim under 13 ) and count 2 ( Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, Victim under 13 ) was dismissed.
He was sentenced to 30 years in the IDOC, followed by 3 years of Mandatory Supervised Release. Moss and Ink have since been informed of a plea deal between the Defendant and the Prosecution, rumored to set the sentence to only 4 years.
Pictured is Hughes after arrival at the Illinois Department of Corrections; his beard has since grown much bigger:
Public Information and Resources
Cases involving sexual assault of minors are sensitive. Individuals seeking assistance or support may contact:
- Illinois Sexual Assault Hotline: 866-999-5247
- LaSalle County Child Advocacy Resources (available locally through law enforcement or social services)
Background Notes
Hughes had no publicly reported prior criminal history related to this case ( “only” 3 Ordinance Violations as far back as 1999, 5 Traffic Violations and one Order of Protection ). Court filings, including full transcripts, motions, and detailed docket information, may be accessed via the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk online portal or by contacting the office at (815) 434-8671.
This story summarizes confirmed public records and reporting. Victim identities have been withheld in accordance with state law and ethical standards for reporting sexual assault cases involving minors.
Moss and Ink local 
Leave a comment