Altamont Man Gets Six-Year Prison Sentence

Altamont resident Bret Crooker has been sentenced to six years in prison for attempted predatory criminal sexual assault.

Judge Ericka Sanders sentenced the 23-year-old Crooker during a hearing in Effingham County Circuit Court on Wednesday.

Prosecutors sought a 10-year prison term, while defense counsel asked for probation.  Once he has completed his prison term, Crooker will be required to register as a sex offender.

Victim impact statements were part of the prosecution's presentation at sentencing, including one read by the victim, who was nine years old at the time of the offense that occurred at her home in Altamont.

Effingham County Assistant State's Attorney Scott Ealy said, "State's Attorney Bryan Kibler and I are proud of the victim for her courage in coming forward in this matter.  In doing so, this young lady was standing up not only for herself, but for others similarly situated in society."

Judge Sanders had found Crooker guilty during a stipulated bench trial on May 1.