A Kendall County judge recently found a Naperville man guilty of molesting a 7-year-old girl in 2012.

According to Kendall County State's Attorney Eric Weis, Judge John McAdams found Sean H. Hemphill, 35, of the 800 block of Corday Drive, Naperville, guilty of multiple counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse following a two-day bench trial that concluded on Nov. 6. (In a bench trial, a judge decides the verdict rather than a jury.)

According to Weis, an investigation began after the victim told her mother that Hemphill was molesting her for several days just prior to her eighth birthday in January of 2012.

Hemphill had posted bond and was out of custody before the verdict was handed down, according to Weis. McAdams revoked Hemphill's bond and he was taken into custody by the Kendall County Sheriff's Office, Weis said.

Weis said McAdams took his time "to carefully review and consider the evidence presented and render the appropriate verdict in this sensitive and serious matter."

Weis praised the hard work and dedication of the sheriff's office and county Children's Advocacy Center staff "who assisted with interviews for their investigation and pursuit of justice for the victim of the crime."

He also commended First Assistant State's Attorney Mark Shifka and Assistant State's Attorney Robert Dore, who prosecuted the case.

Weis also commended the victim and her family "for having the courage to report this abuse and to follow through with the prosecution of this case, including what was difficult and emotional testimony on the witness stand over the last few days."

“Children are the most vulnerable and susceptible victims to abuses by predators like Sean Hemphill," Weis said. "Therefore, they need the most protection and the best prosecutors representing them. This office has the dedicated prosecutors that will ensure that justice is done not just on behalf of all abused children but also for all of the citizens of Kendall County. Crimes against children of any kind will not be tolerated in Kendall County.”

Hemphill is scheduled for post-trial motions and the status of the sentencing hearing on Jan. 8, Weis said.

Hemphill is eligible for a minimum sentence of 27 years and a maximum sentence of 127 years in state prison, and by law must serve at least 85 percent of any sentence he receives on the charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, Weis said.

“We will seek a sentence that will hopefully guarantee that Mr. Hemphill never has the opportunity to harm another child again," Weis said.

Hemphill will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, Weis said,

“If any person has any information that any child is being physically or sexually abused, they should immediately contact law enforcement," Weis said.