Lay Pastor Found Guilty Of Child Sex Offenses: Kane State's Attorney

BIG ROCK, IL — A local lay pastor at a church in Big Rock was found guilty of five counts of criminal sexual offenses against a child younger than 13, officials said.

Mark Rivera, of the 0S block of East Street in Winfield, was convicted of two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after he sexually assaulted a girl, who he knew, between June 2018 and May 2019 while he served at the Anglican Church of North America, according to prosecutors at the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

In addition to his prison term, the 49-year-old must register for life as a sexual offender, per Illinois law.

"Mr. Rivera is a predator who used his position of respectability and stature in a church and within the community to prey on this child with no consideration for the trauma he caused," Assistant State's Attorney Matthew Rodgers said in a statement. "The victim showed great courage, however, telling her mother about his criminal conduct, in preparing for this trial, and in facing him in court."

Rivera remains in custody at the Kane County jail, where he has been held in lieu of $500,000 bail. His bond was revoked upon conviction.

The man's next court appearance, for motions and sentencing, is scheduled for Feb. 10.