COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — After an arduous legal battle beginning eight years ago, a significant court case in Coles County is finally nearing resolution. Last week, a jury found a Villa Grove resident guilty on two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault.
Colton Figgins, 38, was originally arrested in 2018 following allegations that he had been involved in inappropriate sexual conduct with a 5-year-old girl several years prior. Over the years, his trial faced numerous postponements due to various circumstances.
Coles County State’s Attorney Jesse Danley explained that the delays were due partly to Figgins changing attorneys, the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and issues related to witnesses on both the prosecution and defense sides. In January 2023, the case went to trial but ended in a mistrial as the jury couldn’t agree on a verdict.
Undeterred, Danley chose to retry the case, and a final verdict was reached more than three years later. The trial commenced on August 4, 2026, and by August 6, both parties had concluded their arguments. After less than an hour of deliberation, the jury delivered a guilty verdict on both Class X felony charges against Figgins. Following the verdict, Figgins was remanded into the custody of the Coles County Sheriff’s Office. His sentencing is set for September 14 at 1 p.m. Court documents indicate Figgins has a 30-day window to submit any post-trial motions.
When reached for comment, Figgins’ defense attorney said they will pursue an appeal, but did not provide additional comment on the verdict.
While Figgins was arrested in 2018, Danley said the assault had actually occurred three years before. After the child disclosed the assault to their mother, the child was interviewed by a child advocacy center.
“I’m extremely happy with the verdict. It represents the fortitude the victim had to advocate for herself,” Danley said. “I think all of the credit goes to the victim in this case.”