Lockport Man Convicted Of Sexual Assault Wants To Own Guns

JOLIET, IL — A Lockport man who was convicted of raping a woman in the early 1990s has filed a lawsuit against the Will County State's Attorney's Office asking a judge to reinstate his right to own guns. The petition was submitted last week by Lockport resident Albert Kressman.

Typically, when someone is convicted of felony crimes, they lose several of their rights as Americans, including the right to hold public office, the right to vote and the right to own guns.

"I would like to petition the circuit court of Will County for a reinstatement of my FOID card," writes Albert Kressman, who lives on West Oak Avenue in Lockport. "It has been over 20 years since my felony conviction of aggravated sexual assault on October 15, 1992. I have had no further arrests or convictions since that time, neither are any charges currently pending. Thank you for your consideration in this matter."

Illinois does not use the term "rape" in state law, instead referring to criminal sexual assault. A sexual assault is considered "aggravated" if the victim was physically injured, a firearm or other weapon was used or the victim was a minor, among several other factors.

Courthouse officials set the matter for a hearing before a judge on Nov. 4.