Crime & Safety
McLean County, IL Man Faces Up to 187 Years After Guilty Verdict
NORMAL, IL — A 54 year old man could face up to 187 years in prison after a McLean County jury found him guilty on six charges involving the sexual assault, abuse and exploitation of a child, authorit
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-20T20:16:10.885Z
NORMAL, IL — A 54 year old man could face up to 187 years in prison after a McLean County jury found him guilty on six charges involving the sexual assault, abuse and exploitation of a child, authorities announced Tuesday.
According to the Normal Police Department , Jayesh Patel, formerly of Bloomington, was convicted Friday, Oct. 16, following a jury trial stemming from an investigation that began in April 2025.
The case involved multiple incidents of sexual assault disclosed by a child during a forensic interview.
Investigation Began After Child Disclosed Abuse Police said the investigation started in April 2025 after a child reported possible sexual abuse.
A Normal Police Department detective conducted a forensic interview at the Children's Advocacy Center, where the child disclosed multiple incidents of sexual assault.
Investigators subsequently gathered additional evidence that led to criminal charges.
Patel was arrested Oct. 25, 2025, on a McLean County arrest warrant.
Jury Returns Guilty Verdicts on All Six Counts Following the trial, jurors found Patel guilty of:
Three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault Two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse One count of sexual exploitation of a child The convictions followed approximately 18 months of investigation and court proceedings after the initial disclosure.
Sentencing Scheduled for January 2027 Patel is scheduled to be sentenced Monday, Jan. 4, 2027 .
According to Normal police, he faces a reported sentencing range of 18 to 187 years in prison.
The final sentence will be determined by the court.
Police emphasized their continued commitment to investigating crimes against children and working with community partners to protect victims.
Anyone with additional information about the case can contact the Normal Police Department at 309 454 9535 .
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by texting NORMALPD followed by a space and the tip to 847411 .