The attorney for a Waukegan man accused of sexually assaulting a minor multiple times withdrew from the case Monday, after saying in court his client believes the alleged offenses “should not be a crime.”
Edwin Matute, 25, faces several counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, Class X felonies, which could result in a maximum sentence of 120 years in prison upon conviction, according to officials.
On Monday, defense attorney Louis Pissios said he believes the state made a reasonable plea deal offer to resolve the case, but Matute is maintaining that he would not accept anything in excess of probation.
More Top Picks Best Comprehensive Home Trauma First Aid Kits
Pissios also said Matute “believes the offense should not be a crime. He has told me as much.”
Matute did not dispute those statements.
Through an interpreter, Matute told Judge James Booras he initially did not want Pissios removed from the case, but after further discussion, he said he would have his family find another attorney.
Matute also told the judge that Pissios did not talk to him during jail visits, aside from playing an evidence video. Pissios, however, denied that claim.
Booras said he would allow Pissios to withdraw since the two were not communicating effectively. The judge then set a status of attorney hearing for Jan. 21 and said the change in representation would further delay an eventual trial.
According to Pissios, prosecutors offered Matute the option of pleading guilty to one of the counts against him in exchange for a 20-year sentence, with the remainder of the charges dropped. Another plea deal option offered to Matute would have allowed the judge to decide the sentence, with a cap of 30 years.
Pissios said Matute rejected both plea deal offers.
Prosecutors did not speak during Monday’s hearing. Authorities previously said the charges against Matute relate to incidents that allegedly occurred between April 1 and July 20 of 2014, involving a victim known to him.
Matute is being held in Lake County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.
Twitter @jimnewton5