Found guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault

David G. Sparks, 46, of Eldorado was convicted on Friday on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse by a Saline County jury after deliberations lasting 40 minutes, according to a release from Saline County State’s Attorney Michael Henshaw.

The offense occurred between May 1, 2011, and March 15, 2012, upon a child who was only six to seven years of age at the time, according to the release.

Judge Walden Morris scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. April 11, 2013.

Sparks faces a sentencing range of six to 81 years.

Assistant State's Attorney Eva Walker prosecuted the case.