A man with a prior sexual assault conviction has been sentenced to life in prison for a 2024 attack on a woman at a local hotel, according to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Chris Butler, 44, was arrested after Deerfield police were alerted to the assault. He was charged in May of 2024.
Authorities said the victim knew Butler and that witnesses saw the attack.
Butler was found guilty of sexual assault in 2025, and based on a 2007 conviction in Cook County, a life sentence was statutorily mandated.
“Our first thoughts are always with the survivor of this violent offense. We will support them beyond the close of this case,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. “Next, we are satisfied that the community is safer after this life sentence.
“Experienced trial prosecutors and police investigators delivered and made sure that this offender faced justice,” he said.
