Miami Standard (Elgin, IL) – A 35-year-old Elgin man was sentenced to 27 years in jail for sexually assaulting and abusing a child under the age of 13.

“No sentence will ever be enough for the abuse this child suffered over many years, but thanks to this child bravely coming forward and testifying in court against her abuser, this defendant is now being held accountable for his actions,” Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Stacey Wittman said in a statement.

According to prosecutors, Jacob Gutierrez sexually molested and abused the youngster several times.

The victim reported the assault to a trusted adult, who immediately contacted the Department of Children and Family Services.

The State of Illinois requested that Gutierrez serve a total of 65 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. However, the court in the case issued a 27-year sentence, which prosecutors said was the minimum he could have received.

Gutierrez must complete 85% of his 24-year sentence for child sexual assault and 50% of his 3-year term for child sexual abuse. He gets credit for 722 days served in the Kane County Jail.

Gutierrez must also register for life as a sexual offender.

Reference: Elgin man sentenced for sexually assaulting, abusing child