EDWARDSVILLE - A man was sentenced Thursday to 115 years in prison after abducting a woman at knifepoint outside a Collinsville Starbucks and sexually assaulting her. Judge Berkley handed down the sentence.
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Timothy Dubois Jr. was found guilty in May on 10 charges following a three-day trial in which jurors heard testimony from the victim and watched portions of Dubois’ confession tape. He must serve 85% of his sentence.
Investigators said the 21-year-old victim was sitting alone in her car waiting for a Starbucks order when Dubois pulled out a large knife and forced her to drive to the Troy, Illinois, area. Prosecutors said that after the assault, Dubois drove her back to the retail complex, parked her car in a Wendy’s parking lot and ran away. The woman then called the police for help.
According to prosecutors, Dubois admitted the victim “could’ve been anyone” and told detectives he chose her because she was alone.
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said the sentence holds Dubois accountable and protects others.
“Today’s sentence ensures that a dangerous sexual predator will spend many years in prison,” Haine said in a statement after Thursday’s sentencing. “We commend the victim for her courageous cooperation in the investigation and prosecution, and we continue to hold her in our prayers.”
Collinsville Police Chief Brett Boerm also praised the investigation and prosecution.
“Today’s sentence brings a measure of justice for a victim who endured an unimaginable ordeal. While no sentence can erase the trauma that was inflicted, we hope this outcome provides some sense of closure and reassurance that the person responsible has been held accountable,” Boerm said.
“This case reflects the unwavering commitment investigators from the Collinsville Police Department displayed in the pursuit of justice for this victim. From the start, investigators worked tirelessly, following every lead, gathering evidence, while displaying outside-the-box thinking that ultimately led to a successful prosecution. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for its partnership throughout this investigation and prosecution. The level of collaboration from start to finish was tremendous, and we are thankful for their support that led to today’s outcome.”
The case marked the first time that forensic genealogical DNA was used in a prosecution in Madison County.
“Forensic genealogical DNA proved to be an invaluable tool in this case, but it was effective only because dedicated investigators knew how to use it,” Haine said. “The investigators paired this new technology with determined police work, following every lead. The Collinsville Police Department never stopped searching for answers, and their persistence ultimately brought this predator to justice.”
“This outcome reflects the best of our criminal justice system: investigators who never gave up, prosecutors who thoroughly prepared their case, a jury that carefully evaluated the evidence, and a sentence that fits the crime,” Haine said.
Haine commended the Collinsville Police Department and the multiple agencies that assisted in the investigation:
• Troy Police Department
• Illinois State Police
• Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois
• St. Louis County Police Department
• Jefferson County, MO Sheriff’s Department
• Illinois Attorney General’s Office
• Illinois Secretary of State Police
• Illinois Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center
• Vandalia Police Department
• Fayette County Sheriff’s Office
• Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
• Belleville Police Department
