Streator, IL — Patricia D. Johnson, 38–39, of Chicago, faces charges in LaSalle County Circuit Court related to the sexual assault of a teenage girl in Streator. On July 31, 2026, she entered a blind plea to two counts of criminal sexual assault.
By Willow Moss | Moss and Ink | Published August 1, 2026, updated September 22, 2026
Case Status
- Current status: Blind plea entered — awaiting sentencing
- Sentencing date: October 1, 2026
- Charges: One count of criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, both Class 1 felonies; a third count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse was dismissed as part of the plea
- Case number: 2025CF000567
- Court: LaSalle County Circuit Court
- Presiding judge: Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr.
- Custody status: Released on pretrial conditions including home confinement and GPS electronic monitoring since December 22, 2025
- Last updated: September 22, 2026
Investigation
Streator police investigated acts reported in February 2025. Court records indicated the victim was under 18 and that Johnson was in a position of trust with the victim. Prosecutors stated that DNA testing by a forensic scientist matched a sample from the victim to Johnson.
Charges and Arrest
In mid-to-late December 2025, Johnson was booked into the LaSalle County Jail on a Monday morning and charged with felony counts of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Prosecutors filed a petition to deny her pretrial release.
Plea
On or about July 31, 2026 (reported as a Friday), Johnson entered a blind plea — meaning there was no sentencing agreement or cap — in LaSalle County Circuit Court to one count of criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, both Class 1 felonies carrying 4–15 years. A third count, an additional count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, was dismissed as part of the plea. One of the two counts makes her ineligible for probation and is subject to an 85% minimum service requirement. The sentences on the two counts must run consecutively, for a potential aggregate sentence of up to 30 years.
Sentencing
Sentencing is set for October 1, 2026, before Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. A presentence investigation report was ordered and is due by September 21, 2026. Johnson will have an opportunity to address the court.
Public Records
Case records are considered public and can be accessed through the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk’s office, either online through the Circuit Clerk’s portal or in person at the courthouse in Ottawa. Certified copies of documents typically require an in-person or written request to the Criminal Division at 707 Etna Road, Ottawa.
Social Media
Public reaction to the case has been limited, with only a brief mention circulating on social media and little independent commentary beyond that.
Disclaimer: All individuals are presumed innocent of any charge until proven guilty; a blind plea reflects an admission to the specific counts described above, and sentencing has not yet been determined. Court outcomes can change, and official records should be checked directly for the most current status. The victim’s identity is protected and is not reported.
-Willow Moss