August 1, 2026 | Freeport, IL
Presented by Sarah Collins
Crime & Punishment | F4F NEWS
Investigative Reporting, Editing & Publication
Joshua T. Atkinson
Chairman | Fighting4Freeport
For years, many survivors of child sexual abuse carried the same belief.
"It's too late."
Too much time had passed.
The person responsible would never be held accountable.
For many survivors in Illinois, that may no longer be true.
In 2019, the Illinois General Assembly passed Public Act 101-0130, significantly changing how long prosecutors have to bring criminal charges in many cases involving the sexual abuse of children.
The change wasn't made by accident. It was made because lawmakers recognized something survivors, investigators, mental health professionals, and victim advocates have known for decades: Children often don't tell anyone what happened until years—or even decades—later.
There Is No "Normal" Timeline
One of the most common misconceptions about child sexual abuse is that victims immediately report what happened.
In reality, delayed disclosure is often the rule—not the exception. Some children are threatened into silence. Some fear no one will believe them. Others are manipulated by someone they trust—a family member, teacher, coach, clergy member, or another respected adult. Many spend years trying to understand what happened before they ever find the words to tell someone. Others carry feelings of fear, shame, guilt, or confusion well into adulthood.
None of those experiences are unusual.
What Changed?
Public Act 101-0130 expanded the amount of time prosecutors have to file criminal charges for many sexual offenses committed against children.
While every case depends on the specific offense, when it occurred, and other legal factors, the law dramatically increased the opportunity to pursue criminal charges in cases that previously may have been considered too old.
For many serious child sexual abuse offenses, Illinois law now allows prosecution regardless of how much time has passed. That means some survivors who believed they had permanently lost their opportunity for justice may still have legal options today.
Every Case Is Different
The law is broad, but it does not automatically mean every allegation can be prosecuted.
Whether charges can be filed depends on several factors, including:
The specific criminal offense alleged.
When the offense occurred.
The victim's age at the time of the offense.
The available evidence.
Whether the law applies to the particular circumstances of the case.
Only law enforcement and prosecutors can determine whether a case meets the legal requirements for criminal prosecution.
If You Never Reported the Abuse
Many survivors never contacted police because they believed there was no point. If that sounds familiar, it may be worth having a conversation with your local law enforcement agency or your county State's Attorney's Office.
Even if criminal charges ultimately cannot be filed, your report can still matter.
It may help investigators identify additional victims.
It may corroborate another survivor's account.
It may provide evidence that investigators didn't previously have.
And it may help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.
You Are Probably Not Alone
One of the hardest parts of surviving childhood sexual abuse is believing you're the only one. Unfortunately, investigators know that many offenders victimize multiple children over many years. When one survivor finds the courage to come forward, it often gives others the strength to do the same.
That single report can become the missing piece that helps investigators understand the full scope of what occurred.
If You Have Information, Now Is the Time to Speak Up
Public Act 101-0130 serves as an important reminder that it may not be too late to report childhood sexual abuse.
That message is especially relevant here in Stephenson County.
Fighting4Freeport has recently been contacted by multiple residents reporting new allegations involving Ecung Sanders, who is currently awaiting retrial on child sexual assault charges. Sanders is scheduled to appear in Stephenson County Circuit Court on Thursday, August 6, 2026, where a judge is expected to decide whether he will be released back into the community while awaiting his next trial.
At the same time, the Stephenson County State's Attorney's Office is expected to review investigative materials submitted by the Lena Police Department regarding allegations involving Beloved Church pastor Steve Cassell.
If you have information related to either investigation—or if you believe you may have been the victim of abuse and have never reported it—Fighting4Freeport encourages you to contact the Stephenson County State's Attorney's Office or your local law enforcement agency.
Stephenson County State's Attorney's Office
Carl Larson, State's Attorney
15 N. Galena Ave.
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: (815) 235-8279
Email: tderr@stephensoncountyil.gov
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Coming forward can be difficult. Whether the abuse occurred recently or many years ago, your information could help investigators better understand a case, corroborate another survivor's account, identify additional victims, or prevent future abuse.
The Bottom Line
Illinois changed the law because lawmakers recognized that childhood sexual abuse is different from most other crimes.
Healing takes time. Finding the courage to speak takes time.
For many survivors, justice shouldn't disappear simply because they weren't able to tell someone while they were still children.
If you've spent years believing it was simply too late to report what happened to you, it may be worth asking the question.
The answer may be different today than it was just a few years ago.
At Crime & Punishment, we believe every survivor deserves to be heard.
If this article encourages even one person to come forward and seek answers, then telling the story was worth it.
Editor's Note
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Whether a criminal case can be prosecuted depends on the specific facts and applicable law. Survivors seeking guidance should contact their local law enforcement agency, the Stephenson County State's Attorney's Office, or a qualified attorney familiar with Illinois law.