Man convicted of sexually assaulting minor

“You took my innocence, and that I will never forgive.” — minor victim during impact statement  

A Kendall County jury Thursday found Sean Patrick Long guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child following a five-day trial in the 451st state district court. 

Sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 29 in the Kendall County Courthouse. 

Long, 25 years old at the time of the offense, has remained in the Kendall County Jail since 2024 after his bail was set at $75,000. 

According to testimony, the victim was 13 when contact was initiated in 2023. 

Jurors heard testimony from the victim's family members, Long's probation officer and other witnesses during the trial.  

The victim, who remains a minor and is identified in court records as Jane Doe, reported the abuse to authorities in 2024 after discussing her relationship with Long with a friend.  

She later participated in a forensic interview. 

According to testimony, sexual contact between Long and the victim occurred more than 30 times. 

Visiting Judge Sid Harle presided over the case. Assistant District Attorney Andrew Fields prosecuted while public defender Xoe Howard represented Long. 

Fields argued that while the victim initially believed she was in love with Long, she had in fact been groomed by an adult. 

Evidence presented during the trial showed Long fled to Mexico after learning the victim had participated in a forensic interview.  

Authorities later located and arrested him on June 1, 2024. 

The defense argued Long struggled with mental health issues and challenged the credibility of testimony from his probation officer, suggesting the officer held a hostile attitude toward Long. 

After deliberating four hours July 23, the jury returned the guilty verdict. 

Before the proceedings concluded, the victim addressed Long during her victim impact statement. 

Through tears, she told him, "Sean, you will never understand what you put me through ... the lies, dishonesty and betrayal. You took my innocence, and that I will never forgive. I will make sure others like me will have a voice."