19-year-old Draws 26 years in Champaign Rape

A Champaign County judge has imposed a 26-year prison sentence on a Champaign teenager convicted of raping a young woman 10 months ago.

In sentencing 19-year-old Marlone Pendleton on Wednesday, Circuit Court Judge Tom Difanis said he hoped the stiff penalty would serve as a deterrent.

Pendleton was one of five young men charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault for raping the 16-year-old girl in the garage of his aunt's home.

The other four defendants were acquitted.

Assistant State's Attorney Duke Harris argued for the maximum 30 years for Pendleton, who had prior convictions for domestic battery and obstructing justice.

But Pendleton's attorney, Harvey Welch, noted Pendleton's young age and said his criminal record didn't support a maximum sentence.