LINCOLN, Ill. – The Illinois Attorney General’s Office released a final report finding that the Logan County Sheriff’s Office violated the rights of a teenage sexual‑assault victim during the agency’s response to the family’s report. The findings, based on a complaint filed by the victim’s parents, Lonnie and Robin Nichols, highlight serious lapses in how law‑enforcement handled the case.

Family’s experience

In October 2025, the Nichols received a call that their 15‑year‑old daughter was being held at the Logan County Sheriff’s Office with several other teens and needed to be picked up. When the family arrived, the teen disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted. Deputies directed the family to a hospital for a forensic examination, but the Nichols say the interaction lacked basic compassion.

“She was already traumatized, and then they came in, and it was like nothing warm about it,” Robin Nichols said. “No ‘how are you? I’m sorry.’ It was question, question, question.”

Problematic interview

Later that week, the teen participated in a forensic interview with two detectives and an advocate from the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center. The Nichols expected the interview to give their daughter a chance to explain what happened and to learn more about the investigation. Instead, they say the detectives challenged the teen’s account and blamed her for the assault.

“As the questions progressed, two of the detectives actually called my daughter a liar, and basically said that it was her fault,” Lonnie Nichols reported. The questioning became so intense that the advocate halted the interview and removed the teen from the room. The advocate later told the family the interview should not have been conducted in that manner.

Attorney General’s investigation

The Nichols filed a complaint with the sheriff’s office and, after receiving an internal review that found no wrongdoing, turned to elected officials and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. The AG’s investigation was conducted under expanded authority created by a 2025 amendment to state law.

Christelle Perez, chief of the Violence Prevention Division at the Attorney General’s Office, explained that victims or their families can file complaints when they believe their rights have been violated. “If those rights are violated, a victim or their family member can file that complaint with us,” Perez said. “We will investigate and then make a recommendation to those agencies that may have violated.”

Recommendations for reform

In its final report, the Attorney General’s Office recommended that the Logan County Sheriff’s Office:

• Complete comprehensive crime‑victim‑rights training for all personnel.
• Review state laws and policies governing sexual‑assault investigations.
• Ensure officers receive required trauma‑informed response training.
• Establish internal controls to guarantee staff follow these protocols.

“The reason why we do this is for change,” Perez said. “Everyone doesn’t have the information. Everyone is not self‑aware at all times. And even with good intentions, things don’t always go as they should.” The goal, she added, is to prevent further trauma for victims and rebuild trust in the justice system.

Sheriff’s response

Logan County Sheriff Mark Landers declined to speak on camera but affirmed that his office takes sexual‑assault reports seriously and treats victims with respect. The sheriff’s office formally asked the Attorney General’s Office to reconsider its findings; the AG’s office upheld its original conclusion that the family’s rights were violated.

Family’s hopes for the future

Robin Nichols expressed the lingering frustration of feeling unsupported: “You just feel like no one is actually on your side, and it’s a struggle and it’s exhausting to still not have an answer.” Lonnie Nichols said he hopes the state findings lead to better treatment for other victims. “If we can make that happen for another victim where they’re not treated unfairly, then it will be worth it,” he said, adding that while justice may not have been fully served for their daughter, it could benefit future victims.

The Attorney General’s recommendations represent a concrete step toward ensuring that law‑enforcement agencies across Illinois handle sexual‑assault cases with the compassion, professionalism, and legal compliance that victims and families deserve.

Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.