Roger D. Hedger
SALINE CO., Ill. - Authorities with the Saline County State's Attorney's office have advised that there's been a plea and sentencing in a 2016 sex abuse case originating in Eldorado.
Roger D. Hedger, 63, of Eldorado, pled guilty and was sentenced on February 8 2017, in Saline County Circuit Court by Judge Mark Clarke to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, four years mandatory supervised release (parole) and costs.
Hedger was found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, both Class 2 felonies. Class 2 felonies are punishable by a term of 3 to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and a $25,000 fine. Hedger was sentenced to five years in DOC on each count, to be served consecutively.
The Illinois State Police led the investigation with the assistance of the Guardian Center. On April 30, 2016, the minor disclosed to her mother she was being molested by Hedger. The incident was reported to the Illinois State Police, who opened an investigation. Special Agents with ISP learned the abuse occurred between October 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016, at a house in Eldorado.
The 13-year-old female minor disclosed multiple incidents of abuse at the hand of Hedger when she was 12 and 13 years old. Hedger was subsequently arrested and charged with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.
Hedger is also required to register as a sex offender after his release from the Illinois Department of Corrections.