THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
On October 11, 2024, Vermilion County First Assistant State’s Attorney Tom O’Connor and Assistant Jacob Klein, secured a life sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Robert Musson (DOB: 7/20/1965), formerly of Danville, Illinois, for six counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, all class X felonies.
Circuit Judge Robert McIntire sentenced Robert Musson to life in prison after the sentencing hearing. Musson was found guilty of six counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child following a Jury trial that concluded on August 14, 2024.
During the trial, evidence was presented by the People that Danville Police Department received reports of two minor victims who had been sexually abused by Robert Musson at separate times between 2016 and 2020. The Vermilion County Child Advocacy Center and the Peoria Child Advocacy Center assisted the Danville Police Department with the investigation and interviews. During the trial, the minor victims provided compelling testimony recounting the abuse that they suffered between 2016 and 2020.
Judge McIntire heard evidence in aggravation during the sentencing hearing when an additional prior victim testified describing the sexual abuse that she suffered as a child. The victim described that after she told a family member about the abuse following one of the incidents, Musson told her he was “sorry.” During the sentencing hearing parents of one victim provided victim impact statements to the Court. The mother of the victim stated, “as the kids were growing up, I was trying to protect
them from monsters, not knowing the biggest monster was living under the same roof.” The father of the victim thanked members of the Vermilion County Child Advocacy Center, the Danville Police Department Investigation Division, and the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office for always making the victim “feel protected and loved.”
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the victims for having the courage to come forward and for displaying bravery in testifying against their abuser. She also expressed her gratitude for the dedication of the Danville Police Department, the Vermilion County Child Advocacy Center, the Peoria Child Advocacy Center and the staff of the Survivor Resource Center. She added, “the testimony of each victim was vital in ensuring this predator will not hurt another child. Your strength in reliving the abuse you were forced to endure will help others to find their voices and to seek justice. It is my hope that these victims will continue to receive the love and support of their families and continue on their path of healing.”
