ROCKFORD, IL — A jury deliberated seven hours before finding a Rockford man guilty in the Aug. 21, 2024, attack and sexual assault of a woman who neighbors said had screamed for help, according to information from the Winnebago County State’s Attorney.
Iddi Joely, 20, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial of aggravated criminal sexual assault, attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated battery.
Rockford police officers had responded to the 1500 block of South Sixth Street for 911 calls reporting that a woman was being battered by a man and was screaming for help.
Police testified that when they arrived, they saw Joely laying on top of the woman. They told jurors that “they saw Joely push himself up off of the victim with one hand, and use his other hand to pull his shorts up,” the release said.
Evidence showed that Joely had during the assault bitten the victim on her cheek.
The most serious offense — aggravated criminal sexual assault — is a Class X felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison. Joely is due back in court May 26.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Man found guilty in August 2024 Rockford sexual assault
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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