Joliet sex offender gets life sentence after assault of child

A Joliet sex offender will face life in prison after a jury found him guilty of predatory sexual assault of a child in 2017, prosecutors said.

On Thursday, a jury found Vincent Winters, 58, guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow’s Office.

Winters is listed in the Illinois sex offender registry.

After a Joliet police investigation, Winters was charged with sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl Oct. 11, 2017, when he was watching the child while her mother was at work.

When the mother picked up her daughter from school, the girl was upset and told her that Winters had engaged in sexual acts with her, according to Glasgow’s office.

Winters’ sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 25.

He will receive a life sentence because he has a previous aggravated criminal sexual assault conviction from 1993 in Will County, according to Glasgow’s office.

Winters decided to represent himself in the case after it was filed Aug. 10, 2022.

Winters filed several motions that were denied by Judge Sarah Jones, such as motions to suppress evidence, a motion to dismiss the case based on alleged double jeopardy violations and a motion to dismiss for violation of due process.

Winters also unsuccessfully tried to request the appointment of a special prosecutor in his case.