People v. Cassell

PRESIDING JUSTICE McNULTY

delivered the opinion of the court:

The case involves the consolidated appeals of Curlee Simmons and Vernetta Cassell. Following a bench trial, defendant Simmons was found guilty of aggravated criminal sexual assault, home invasion and aggravated kidnapping and sentenced to three consecutive 15-year terms of imprisonment. Defendant Cassell was found guilty of aggravated criminal sexual assault and was sentenced to three consecutive six-year terms of imprisonment. We affirm the convictions of both defendants.

At trial, the victim, C.G., attempted to assert her fifth…