An Illinois appeals court has thrown out a South Peoria man's 2012 conviction on charges he sexually assaulted a 20-month-old girl.
Judge Mary K. O'Brien says there was a lack of sufficient evidence against 61-year-old Steven Cole. The ruling throws out Cole's conviction and 25-year prison sentence.
Peoria County prosecutors maintain the police work behind Cole's case was sound and that the charges came as a result of what police thought at the time, that Cole was behind the assault, and his wife was withholding information. Janet Cole later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor attempted obstruction of justice.
The toddler had showed signs of sexual abuse in 2009, after spending time at the Coles' home.
The Peoria County state's attorney said his office wasn't considering, at the time, an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.
