Graff eligible for 1-3 years in DOC or up to 30 months probation after pleading guilty to lesser charge; sentencing set for Oct. 19

QUINCY — A youth basketball coach and athletic trainer pled guilty Wednesday afternoon in Adams County Circuit Court to one count of criminal sexual abuse.

Jonathan Graff, 31, of Quincy entered an open plea with his attorney, Drew Schnack, in front of Judge Roger Thomson. He will sentence Graff at 11 a.m. Oct. 19. 

Criminal sexual abuse is a Class 4 felony, punishable for between one and three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Graff also is eligible to receive up to 30 months of probation or conditional discharge, and he could be fined between $7,500 and $25,000. He also must undergo sex offender evaluation for sentencing. He must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

When Thomson advised Graff of his rights and asked how he wanted to plea, Graff calmly replied, “Guilty, your honor.”

As part of the plea negotiations, a count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony punishable for between three and seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, was dismissed.

Graff was arrested May 19. He was indicted July 2 by an Adams County grand jury, which determined Graff fondled the sex organ of a girl, who was at least 13 years old but under 17 years old, through her clothing on or about April 1 for the purpose of his sexual arousal or gratification.

The amended information on the criminal sexual abuse charge, which Keck filed Wednesday morning, said Graff committed an act of sexual conduct with the victim on or about April 1, then fondled the sex organ of the victim through her clothing for the purpose of his sexual arousal or gratification and the victim was unable to give knowing consent.

Graff was an assistant coach on the girls basketball team at Quincy Notre Dame, a youth boys and girls basketball coach for a local AAU team and an employee of TAP (Total Athlete Performance). He remains in the Adams County Jail on $100,000 bond.