Sterling man cleared of attempted 
sex assault; Prosecutors: Woman uncooperative; witnesses would exonerate accused

MORRISON – Inconsistent statements by the alleged victim and witnesses with information that would have led to an acquittal prompted Whiteside County prosecutors to drop attempted rape charges against a Sterling man.

Jeron Phillips, 23, was charged with attempted criminal sexual assault by force, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual abuse by force, and forcible detention. He was released from Whiteside County Jail on Thursday, where he had been held 71 days.

Assistant State’s Attorney Jim Heuerman filed a motion to dismiss Thursday. In it, he said the woman has “expressed an unwillingness” to cooperate and has given inconsistent versions of what happened that night.

She told police on Sept. 2 that Phillips grabbed her as she walked up to the entrance of an apartment complex in the 500 block of Fourth Avenue, dragged her into the basement and tried to rape her, but she escaped.

Phillips was arrested a short time later.

His attorney, Paul Whitcombe, said Friday that he was pleased with the outcome and that he had been “very confident” Phillips would be acquitted.

Witness testimony would have revealed that, the night of the incident, the woman and Phillips were “definitely very friendly,” Whitcombe said,

Heuerman declined to say whether the woman is being investigated or whether she might face charges.

Phillips could not be reached for comment Friday.