Man, 70, sentenced for child sex abuse

JOLIET -- A 70-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday morning for sexually abusing two little girls for whom he was baby-sitting, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow announced.

Glenn Lawlor, of Joliet, was found guilty of one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in August.

Circuit Judge Carla Alessio Policandriotes, who presided over the bench trial and found Lawlor guilty, sentenced the defendant.

Lawlor abused the children on multiple occasions between February 2006 and March 2008 while he watched them for their mother. The children were ages 6 and 8 when the abuse began.

Both victims testified during the bench trial. The defendant also testified, telling the judge the children overpowered his ability to control himself.

Assistant State's Attorneys Matt Guzman and Adam McAuley presented at trial physical evidence from a doctor who examined one of the girls and determined she had been sexually abused.

"Glenn Lawlor is a despicable child predator who will likely spend the remainder of his life in prison for his depraved and malevolent behavior," Glasgow said. "The truthful and courageous testimony from these two little girls enabled Will County Sheriff's investigators, my prosecutors and Judge Policandriotes to protect other young children from becoming his prey."