SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Pawnee man is going to prison for the better part of 20 years after he was convicted in July of sexually assaulting a minor.

Sangamon County Court records indicate Bradley J. Hesse, 56, was given the total sentence on charges of Criminal Sexual Assault and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.  Other charges Hesse was charged with were not prosecuted.

Authorities say Hesse had the contact with a minor at a Pawnee home, resulting in an investigation in April of 2024, but wasn’t charged until April, 2025.

Hesse gets credit for 526 days served in jail, and must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

“Sheriff Paula Crouch would like to thank the detectives of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office for their dedication and hard work in protecting the children of our community,” said a Sangamon County news release.  “Sheriff Crouch would also like to thank the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, Pawnee Police Department, and Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services for their work in helping hold this predator accountable and ensuring justice was served for the victim.”