The sentencing hearing was rescheduled for the Toulon man, who pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminal sexual assault. The language was changed in the charge for criminal sexual assault from penetration to contact, which means prison is not mandatory. A joint motion to continue was requested by the state and defense because there is a problem with the amended information. The state indicated that they needed to review the new information with the victim. Wade Serven indicated to the sex offender evaluator that he prefers to be referred to as she/her. Judge Patton said Wade Serven will now be referred to as she/her.
A Sentencing Hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2024, at 3 PM. Wade Serven will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
He was originally charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault by force for an assault that occurred in Kewanee between May 12th and 13th, 2023, which are class 1 felonies. On May 13, 2023, the Kewanee Police Department met with a female victim regarding a sexual assault complaint. The victim had dated the defendant four or five years ago, and the relationship did not end well. Serven has periodically attempted to contact the victim since the breakup. Serven began knocking on the victim’s door late in the evening on May 12th. The victim opened her apartment door to a knock around midnight and found the defendant at the door. Wade Serven entered her apartment without permission and claimed he wanted to talk. Serven pushed the victim down and forced himself on her.
