A 56-year-old Vandalia man has been sentenced to two years probation in Marion County Court after pleading guilty to a criminal sexual abuse charge as part of a negotiated plea.
Dewayne Elam of 250th Street had also been charged with criminal sexual assault, which was dropped. In addition to the probation, he was given credit for five days served in jail, ordered to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation with any recommended treatment, have no contact with the victim, pay a $600 probation fee and $250 DNA fee.
Elam admitted to the use of force or threat of force when fondling the female victim while holding her down. The count that was dropped claimed Elam had committed a sex act with the use of force.
The incident occurred at the victim’s home in Salem on November 30th, 2021. The victim claimed Elam forced his way into the home after she opened the door and committed the sexual act. Salem Police at the time said no weapons were involved and no weapon was displayed.
Police say the woman had been on a date with Elam earlier from a dating site. She had his phone number from text messages, but not his whole name. The number was traced back to Elma who was later picked out from a line up by the victim.
Elam told police he did not force his way into the home and the sex was consensual.
