Compton sexual predator, 68, gets 30 years for assaulting girl younger than 13

DIXON – A 68-year-old Compton man was convicted and sentenced Jan. 26 in Lee County Court to 30 years – three consecutive 10-year terms – for sexually assaulting a girl younger than 13 in March 2020.

Chief Judge Jacquelyn Ackert found Richard L. .Johnson guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault after a bench trial on Nov. 29.

Johnson must serve 85% – at least 25 and a half years – which at his age is basically a life sentence. He also must register as a sex offender.

He was given credit for three days served.

Defense attorney Paul Whitcombe of Dixon filed a motion to reconsider the sentence; a hearing is set for March 3.

His motion for a new trial was denied at the sentencing hearing.

Whitcombe also is seeking a bond that would allow Johnson to remain free pending an appeal.

Johnson’s conviction comes one month shy of a year since his arrest on March 1, which followed an investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.

He is in Lee County jail awaiting transfer to Stateville Correctional Center, pending the outcome his bond request.