Man pleads guilty to child sex assault. Victim says she hopes he can find happiness.

Dec. 23--MADISON COUNTY -- A 39-year-old Cottage Hills man has admitted he solicited and sexually assaulted two young girls in January 2018.

Joshua P. Brown pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of indecent solicitation of a child and one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault, according to the Madison County State's Attorney's office.

Brown was charged on March 4 with intent to commit an act of sexual penetration on a 9-year-old girl. Upon investigation, the Bethalto Police Department discovered there was a second victim and charged Brown with the aggravated sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl on May 21, the Madison County State's Attorney's office stated.

Police determined during the investigation that Brown had been in a "position of trust and authority to the victims," a news release stated. The abuse occurred in Brown's home.

The younger victim provided an impact statement at the plea hearing on Monday.

"Many may not agree with me, but I believe everyone in this world deserves happiness, even the people that have taken it away from others," she said. "I hope all the evil thoughts that have clouded your mind can leave and I hope you can eventually leave prison with the intent to do nothing but good things for as long as you shall live."

The plea agreement was reached after the state's attorney's office consulted the victims and their families.

"In cases of sexual assault, it is required that the children testify at trial, which can be difficult for young victims," the release stated.

The Madison County courthouse dog, Fitz, provided therapy for the victims during court proceedings, according to the state's attorney's office.

Brown will be sentenced to serve 15 years for the solicitation charge and 7 years for the aggravated sex assault charge in the Illinois Department of Corrections, the release stated. He must also serve a mandated two-year probation period after his release and register as a sex offender for life.

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