ELMHURST MAN GETS NINE YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF STEPDAUGHTER

          WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that twice convicted sex offender Todd Lance, 49 (d.o.b. 6/28/1960) of 728 N. Willow, Elmhurst, was sentenced to nine years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for sexually abusing his underage stepdaughter. 

            Today’s sentencing stems from allegations that in 2003, Lance sexually abused the girl through inappropriate touching at their home.  In May, 2007, Lance entered a plea of not guilty to the charges but on January 30, 2009, in a bench trial in front of Judge John Kinsella, Lance was found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.

            “Mr. Lance’s crimes were deplorable,” commented Birkett.  “I can not imagine the fear that this poor girl must have felt living in the same home with a man who abused her behind closed doors.  A man, who after gaining the trust of her mother, was supposed to protect her and take care of her, not abuse her.  I would like to commend this young girl for having the courage to confront her abuser.  Because of her courage, we were able to put this dangerous predator behind bars where he belongs.”

            Lance will be required to serve 50% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

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