A 33-year-old Geneseo man accepted a plea deal on January 11, 2024, that sent him to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for nine years. Preston Atkisson’s behavior during the proceedings was shocking; he was smirking, chucking, and yawning when the mother of the 12-year-old victim read her victim impact statement. Preston Atkisson was sentenced to nine years altogether for the four felonies that he pleaded guilty to.
For case 2021CF202, Atkisson pleaded guilty to Domestic Battery on August 16, 2021, and was sentenced to jail and 30 months probation. The State revoked his probation and sentenced him to three years in IDOC, followed by four years of mandatory supervised release. The sentence is concurrent with 22CF43 and 23CF22.
For case 2022CF43, Atkisson pleaded guilty to Criminal Trespass to Residence/Person Present, and the remaining count was dismissed. Atkisson was sentenced to two years in IDOC, followed by six months of mandatory supervised release, credit for time served, plus fines and assessments. On February 9, 2022, Atkisson was removed from a residence in Geneseo for trespassing and transported to a local hospital for detox. Atkisson returned to the same residence later and was again removed for trespassing. The sentence is concurrent with 21CF202 and 23CF22.
For case 2023CF22, Atkisson pleaded guilty to Threatening a Public Official, and the remaining counts were dismissed. Atkisson was sentenced to four years in IDOC, followed by six months of mandatory supervised release, credit for time served, plus fines and assessments. On January 22, 2023, a Geneseo Police Officer placed Atkisson under arrest and transported him to the police station. Atkisson told the officer that he would come for him and that the officer had signed a death warrant for him and his family. The sentence is concurrent with 21CF202 and 23CF43.
For case 2023CF67, Atkisson pleaded guilty to Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse/Victim <13. Atkisson was sentenced to five years in IDOC, followed by one year of mandatory supervised release, credit for time served, plus fines and assessments, and must register as a sex offender. On March 5, 2023, a child texted 911 for help because Atkisson had touched her and she was scared and hiding in a closet. Atkisson put his hand down the pants of a child who was 11 years old at the time and touched her with his hand. The sentence is consecutive to the other three cases.
Assistant State’s Attorney Katie Christakos read a statement from the now 12-year-old victim. She said she is scared of all men because of Atkisson. She said she doesn’t know why he did that to her, and not a day goes by without her thinking about what he did to her. The mother of the child read her victim impact statement to the court about the trauma her child endured and is living with. She said five years is not enough and that he deserves life, “but that’s not going to happen”. “I’m concerned that you won’t get the help you need.” She said she is concerned that Atkisson will get out of prison and do this again. “Sexual abuse to anyone is not ok.”
All remaining pending cases and charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The bond previously posted will cover all financial obligations, but Atkisson is to report within 180 days if any money is owed.
Atkisson was originally charged with Aggravated Battery of an EMT (Class 3 Felony), Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 4 Felony), Resisting a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor), and Assault (Class C Misdemeanor) for case 2022CF144; two (2) counts of Criminal Trespass to Residence with Persons Present (Class 4 Felony) for case 2022CF43; Threatening a Public Official (Class 3 Felony), Aggravated Assault of a Process Server (Class 4 Felony), Battery/Physical Contact (Class A Misdemeanor), and Batter/Cause Bodily Harm (Class A Misdemeanor) for case 2023CF22; and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse/Victim under 13 (Class 2 Felony) for case 2023CF67.
