Illinois Woman Gets Prison for Sex with Girl

(Waukegan, Illinois) Last spring, a 20-year-old local woman, Giana Burkley, was arrested for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl.

According to court documents, Burkley performed sex acts on the girl on several occasions from August 2008 to February 2009.

Assistant State's Attorney Tim Niehus said he did not believe Burkley understood the ramifications of her actions, and that only a lengthy prison sentence would be proper punishment.

"There was a lack of responsibility and accountability," said Niehus, who emphasized how deplorable it was for a woman to engage in sexual activity with such a young girl.

Despite Burkley being apologetic and a defense request for probation, Judge Theodore Potkonjak yesterday sentenced Berkley to six and one-half years in prison for aggravated criminal sexual assault.