On February 27, 2025, a Sangamon County Jury found John J. Lord, of Springfield, guilty of two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault. Evidence presented at trial showed that Lord assaulted his granddaughter, who was 6 years old at the time of the investigation, between 2017 and 2020.
Lord is scheduled for sentencing before Chief Judge Ryan Cadagin on May 29, 2025. He faces a potential sentence of between 12 and 120 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Judge Cadagin ordered Lord into custody following the guilty verdict, where he will remain pending sentencing.
Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office Child Protection Division Chief Kendra Hansel and Assistant State's Attorney Nick Bailey prosecuted the case in coordination with the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center, Sangamon County Sheriff's Department, Bolingbrook Police Department, and the Will County Child Advocacy Center.
State's Attorney John Milhiser commented on the verdict, stating:
"This case highlights the importance of the Child Advocacy Center multidisciplinary team approach. Two different jurisdictions came together in support of a child in need. We strive to protect all children through aggressive prosecution of crimes like these, and survivors deserve a highly coordinated investigation centered on supporting children and empowering them to come forward.
We appreciate the hard work by both CACs, the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department, and the Bolingbrook Police Department for amplifying this child's voice and holding this offender accountable."