A Monmouth man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint was sentenced today to 36 years in prison.
Stephan Gonzales appeared in Warren County Circuit Court with his court-appointed attorney, Thomas Siegel, for a plea hearing.
Single counts of home invasion, aggravated kidnapping and other charges were dropped against the 26 year old in exchange for his plea to two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault.
State’s Attorney Chip Algren said Gonzales had abducted the 32-year-old victim in July of last year and drove her into rural Warren County where he sexually assaulted her.
During today’s court appearance, Gonzales admitted to holding a knife to the woman’s throat and and raping her. He went on to apologize to those affected by his actions, adding that he has a drug problem stemming from meth, opiate and alcohol addiction.
Gonzales is required to serve 85 percent of the 36-year sentence. Additionally, he is required to pay more than $22,600 in restitution.
Judge Tony Vaupel presided over the plea hearing.
