Young Woman’s Abuser Sentenced to 30 Years for Assault

One young woman, sexually assaulted as a teenager by an overnight manager at a foster facility on the South Side, expressed relief when he received a 30-year prison sentence. “Initially it was really nerve-wracking … because I didn’t know how things were gonna go,” Yadira Escamilla told the Tribune. “When the sentencing came, I was just happy that he actually got some time.”

Cook County Judge Ursula Walowski sentenced Trulon Henry, 41, to 30 years on Friday. Henry was found guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and multiple counts of criminal sexual assault against three children, including Escamilla, according to court records. The case details were first reported by the Tribune in June.

Escamilla filed a lawsuit against Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness, the nonprofit operating the now-closed facility, and its security contractor, A-Alert Security Services. She described staying in a basement room without windows or security cameras. “It was scary because I didn’t really have any more access to anybody,” said Escamilla, now 20. “I was just locked there downstairs.”

The lawsuit also mentioned another instance when a staff member returned to the basement hallway while Henry was assaulting her. The employee allegedly ignored the inappropriate situation, as Escamilla was partially undressed. Her previous complaint that another resident told her Henry wanted to see her at night was allegedly ignored, leading her to fear reporting him again. Henry’s abuse lasted from January through April 2024, mainly during his overnight shifts, according to the lawsuit.

Although Escamilla felt some relief with Henry’s sentence, she believes a longer term would have been more appropriate. Henry faced four-year sentences on each count of criminal sexual assault and six years for predatory sexual assault, served consecutively, according to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office. While painful, recounting the abuse in court was worth it for justice, she said.

Henry’s public defender sought a new trial, alleging insufficient evidence of guilt. The request was denied, which Escamilla found stressful while awaiting a decision. The Cook County public defender’s office declined to comment.

Escamilla shared a victim impact statement revealing the mental toll the abuse had on her. “I do try to continue to push to try to heal those wounds, but mainly I just want awareness, so that this does not happen to any other child.” She wished her reports had been taken seriously from the start.

Escamilla’s attorney, Margaret Battersby Black, stated the sentence supports the credibility of Escamilla’s story. “If he can be found guilty in a criminal proceeding beyond a reasonable doubt … that makes I think her and me feel very good about our civil case going forward.” Escamilla’s lawsuit claimed Aunt Martha’s and A-Alert Security failed to protect her from repeated abuse despite clear misconduct indicators. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was later named a defendant. Aunt Martha’s previously declined to comment and could not be reached for an immediate response. The nonprofit denied many allegations in court filings.

Henry, a former University of Illinois football player, was hired to work with at-risk children despite a prior felony armed robbery conviction. Henry discussed his criminal record during his football career in various media outlets.