DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Just more than two years after he sexually assaulted a woman he was starting a relationship with, a Decatur man was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Kamaryia Johnson, 26, was in Macon County court on Thursday to learn his sentence following his conviction in August. After a two-day trial, a jury found him guilty on one count of criminal sexual assault but not guilty on two counts of criminal sexual abuse with force.

A sworn statement filed in the case, signed by Decatur Police Officer Kristina Kemnitz, said the rape happened in the early morning hours of Sept. 5, 2023. The victim told officers that she and Johnson had been texting for approximately a week to potentially start a romantic relationship, and he came over to her home at 3:24 a.m.

As the two sat in the living room, the victim described that Johnson started groping her over her clothes and ignored the multiple times she said “no.” He then grabbed the victim by the wrist, pulled her into the bedroom, yanked off her clothes and raped her, all while continuing to ignore the victim’s protests.

“We’re going to have sex when I say so,” Johnson was quoted as saying. “You’re not going to say no.”

Kemnitz said the victim also told officers that she didn’t protest too loudly because she didn’t want to wake up her children, who were sleeping in another bedroom.

Kemnitz added that about 30 hours after the attack, the victim angrily texted Johnson, which prompted him to attempt an apology,

“Bro u think I don’t feel horrible plus I was drinking,” Johnson texted. “I didn’t mean non like that.”

Kemnitz said that when officers interviewed Johnson, he told them he didn’t know his phone number or anyone by the victim’s name. He didn’t answer whether he had been to the victim’s home before and stated something to the effect of “I’m confused.” The interview ended when Johnson requested a lawyer.

Johnson was arrested on Sept. 7, and he made his first court appearance a week later. The Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office charged him with three counts — one Class 1 felony count of criminal sexual assault and two Class 4 counts of criminal sexual abuse with force.

Following his conviction on the Class 1 count, court records show, Johnson filed a motion asking the judge to overturn the jury’s verdict or to grant him a new trial. Judge Phoebe Bowers rejected the motion on Thursday, allowing for sentencing to proceed.

Bowers also heard arguments from the state and defense to present evidence in aggravation and mitigation, along with statements from both the victim and Johnson. After considering all of the facts and the aggravating and mitigating factors, Bowers sentenced Johnson to seven years in prison.

That sentence must be served at 85%, and Johnson was granted credit for approximately 10 months spent in custody. Once out of prison, he will spend anywhere from three years to life on parole, and he will be required to register as a sex offender.

Johnson has indicated that he intends to appeal.