Man who sexually attacked University of Illinois student sentenced to 60 years in jail

Posted on Monday, December 16th, 2013 at 2:11 pm    

Judge Richard Klaus sentenced 33-year-old Urbana, Illinois resident Gregory Hayes, Jr. to the maximum term of 60 years in prison after being convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault when he followed a University of Illinois student and sexually attacked her. The lengthy sentence was due in part to a previous conviction in 1996 for the same offense.

Hayes will have to serve at least 51 years of his jail term.

Klaus said he based his sentence on the fact that he found the victim “credible and dignified,” the two male witnesses “credible, selfless, and heroic,” and Hayes “wholly non-credible.”

A Champaign County jury convicted Hayes in October for following an 18-year-old woman at around 3 a.m. on April 7, 2013 at Springfield and Busey Avenues in Urbana to Allen Hall. Hayes was seen on video footage grabbing her from behind, knocking her to the ground, and putting a hand inside her skirt, sexually assaulting her. He was stopped by two men who heard the woman’s screams.

At the Bruno Law Offices, our lawyers help anyone in the Champaign area who is facing a criminal charge to protect their rights and freedoms. Find out more about how we can help you build a strong defense if you have been charged with an offense by calling our offices at (217) 328-6000 today.