Local Man Found Guilty of Predatory Criminal Sexual Abuse

A local man has been found guilty of predatory criminal sexual abuse and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The case involved a girl who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.

(JOSHUA ROWLANDS)

An Effingham County jury found 45-year-old Joshua Rowlands of Effingham guilty of the offenses Friday after testimony was heard Thursday. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the jury deliberated 45 minutes before returning the guilty verdicts.

Kibler said Rowlands was charged with the aggravated criminal sexual abuse count in 2019 and said the predatory criminal sexual abuse count, a Class X felony, was added later. The predatory criminal sexual abuse count is non-probationable, meaning Rowlands will receive a sentence of between six and 30 years in prison.

Rowlands had been free on bond, but the bond was revoked once the guilty plea was returned, meaning he will be in custody until the time of sentencing.

Any pre-sentence motions will be considered at a hearing on April 14. Sentencing for Rowlands is set for May 4.