In a recent verdict that underscores the ongoing effort to protect public safety, a Kane County jury has determined that Jonathan Jordan, a 65-year-old registered sex offender, is legally a Sexually Violent Person (SVP). This significant ruling followed a prosecution by the Attorney General's office, as announced by Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Tuesday.
The judgement, presided over by Kane County Circuit Court Judge D.J. Tegeler, commanded that Jordan be taken into the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Jordan, who had been awaiting his trial while detained at the IDHS Treatment and Detention Facility, was found to carry a dangerous risk if released. "The violent history of this offender indicates his release would pose a threat to women and children in the community," Raoul stated, asserting his dedication to "protecting Illinois families and communities from offenders who have been deemed sexually violent by the court." This quote was reported in a press release from the Attorney General's office.
Jonathan Jordan's criminal history with sexual offenses is long-standing. In 2010, he was convicted in Kane County of criminal sexual abuse involving two girls, aged 9 and 10, for which he received a 13-year prison sentence. This was not his first conviction; in 1990, Jordan was convicted of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman, and in 1985, he was found guilty of assaulting a 16-year-old girl.
Under Illinois law, namely the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act, the state can seek to have offenders such as Jordan committed to the custody of IDHS. For a commitment to be made, it has to be proven that the individual has a mental disorder and is likely to perpetrate future acts of sexual violence if not securely held. Once committed, these offenders are to constantly be reevaliated to ensure they still meet the criteria for commitment. Assistant Attorneys General David Kalicki and James Orescanin were recognized for handling the case on behalf of the Attorney General's Sexually Violent Persons Bureau.
