OTTAWA, Ill. — 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.
By Willow Moss
Moss and Ink | January 7, 2026, updated March 24th, 2026
Case Status
- Current status: Convicted by guilty plea; case resolved without trial
- Sentence: 30 years in the IDOC, followed by 3 years of Mandatory Supervised Release (must serve at least 85% under the Illinois Truth in Sentencing Act)
- Custody status: In custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections
- Sentencing judge: Circuit Judge Michelle A. Vescogni
- Court: LaSalle County Circuit Court (13th Judicial Circuit)
- Last updated: March 24, 2026
Arrest & Charges
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.
Evidence & Allegations
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. No information identifying the victims has been released.
Background
Hughes had no publicly reported prior criminal history related to this case (only three ordinance violations dating as far back as 1999, five 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.
Case Timeline & Proceedings
June 20 & Aug. 1, 2021 — Alleged offenses
Authorities allege the offenses occurred on these two dates, involving two victims.
Feb. 6, 2022 — Investigation begins
The Ottawa Police Department was alerted to a possible sexual assault of a juvenile. Follow-up interviews revealed a second victim.
Feb. 8, 2022 — Arrest
Hughes was arrested 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. He remained in custody for approximately 1,400 days before sentencing.
Dec. 5, 2025 — Guilty plea
Hughes pleaded guilty to Count 1 (Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, victim under 13); Count 2 (Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, victim under 13) was dismissed.
Dec. 6, 2025 — Sentencing
Hughes was sentenced to 30 years in the IDOC, followed by 3 years of Mandatory Supervised Release. Under the Illinois Truth in Sentencing Act, he is required to serve at least 85% of his sentence.
Editor’s note: Moss & Ink has received an unconfirmed report of a plea arrangement rumored to set the sentence at only four years. This claim has not been verified against court records, which reflect the 30-year sentence above, and is noted here only as an unverified report.
Pictured is Hughes after arrival at the Illinois Department of Corrections:
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)
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.