(Lake County, IL) On Thursday, July 21, 2022, a Lake County jury trial concluded with 17 “guilty” verdicts, after little over an hour of deliberation.  

Michael Main, 55, was convicted of six counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class X felony, and 11 counts of Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 felony.  

Main was first charged in August 2016, after the victim made a report to the Libertyville Police Department, stating they had been sexually assaulted by Main over the course of six years. The Libertyville police conducted an investigation and arrested Main shortly after.  

“The survivor took that courageous step to come forward, and their faith in the system paid off yesterday. We are pleased that the jury saw the truth of this case, and I want to commend the Libertyville Police Department and the trial team for their outstanding work. Our amazing victim support professionals have been with the survivor every step of the way and will continue to assist them,” State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said. 

The trial began on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, lasting three days. The jury heard two stipulations and from six state witnesses, including forensic and medical experts. The experts’ testimony explained how the victim’s account of the assault aligned with the physical evidence collected. 

The defendant chose not to testify, and the defense called no witnesses to the stand.  

Main was held on a $1,500,00 bond in the Lake County Jail from the time of his arrest until his trial. After the verdict, Presiding Judge James Booras revoked his ability to post cash bond. A pre-sentence investigation will be conducted, and a motions hearing will be held September 20.  

Under a new law, the SAFE-T Act, effective on January 1, 2023, defendants charged with criminal sexual assault (and other violent cases) will not be granted the ability to post cash bond before trial if a judge orders them detained. 

Because Main was convicted of all 17 counts, he is facing a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 80 years, to be served at 85%.