Illinois Woman Gets Prison in Sex Case - Updated

(Peoria, Illinois) Forty-nine-year-old Bonnie J. McDonald was sentenced yesterday by Circuit Judge James Shadid to 13 years in prison for sexually molesting a young boy a decade ago.

McDonald apologized for her behavior, however, the victim, now 17, said he wished the death penalty would be an option for McDonald.

The plea had no agreement on a sentence, so McDonald, who is free on bond, faced six to 30 years in prison. Uncharged was an incident in 1989, when McDonald began to molest another boy, then 8, for several years.

For that reason, prosecutor Brad Chamberlain argued for a stiff sentence for McDonald, saying she was a danger to society. He blasted McDonald's explanation that alcohol caused her to make poor decisions, saying a "person doesn't become intoxicated and want to have sex with 6- and 8-year-old children." [...]

According to court records, McDonald was watching the child, who was home sick from school, when she allegedly fondled him and performed a sex act upon him. The incident came to light recently when the teen, who told Shadid he had tried to kill himself as a result of the abuse, told his parents.

McDonald must serve at least 85 percent of her sentence before being eligible for parole.

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Illinois Woman Guilty of Sex Assault of Boy, 7
[Previous 4/17/09 post]
(Peoria, Illinois) A 49-year-old area woman, Bonnie J. McDonald, pleaded guilty yesterday in Peoria County Court to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a seven-year-old boy. In accordance with a plea deal, no sentence was specified but one count of sexual abuse was dropped.

The sexual assault reportedly occurred between May and August 1998. The statute of limitations was not an impediment to prosecuting the case since the victim has not turned 18 yet.

According to court records, McDonald was watching the child, who was home sick from school, when she allegedly fondled him and performed a sex act upon him. The incident came to light recently when the teen told his parents.

Questioned by police, McDonald corroborated what the child had said occurred.

Sentencing has been scheduled for June 19 by Circuit Judge James Shadid.