A 34-year-old Mt. Vernon man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after earlier pleading guilty in Jefferson County Court to two counts of felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving two underage victims.
Anthony Knappier received a 14-year prison term on each conviction, with the time to be served concurrently. Knappier was extended term eligible resulting in the normal three to 14-year prison term allowed in Class Two felony cases.
Knappier was taken into custody in February following an investigation that began with a report of an alleged sexual assault of a juvenile. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the home in the Rolling Meadows Trailer Park on Route 37 north of Mt. Vernon and took protective action to ensure the well-being of the juveniles in the residence.
Knappier entered a partially negotiated plea in July where prosecutors agreed not to seek consecutive terms on the two charges.
