EAST ALTON – An East Alton resident faces major felony charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a minor for over four years.Nicky L. Patterson, 41, of East Alton, was charged with six counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, each enhanced Class X felonies.The charges against Patterson were filed on Oct. 23, 2026, but were sealed prior to his arrest to avoid the risk of flight from prosecution. The charges were unsealed after Patterson was arrested and booked into the Madi...