Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Springfield man who allegedly skipped town during his trial has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young give over a two year period ending five years ago.

Court records, and Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, both say a jury found Samuel Britz, 56, guilty Thursday of four counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, and two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.  Sentencing will be held at a later date.

At the age of 13, Milhiser says a girl came forward to claim Britz assaulted the girl between 2018 and 2020, starting when she was 11.

“This young lady bravely took the stand against [Britz] five years later and described how the defendant preyed upon her for over two years,” said Milhiser, in a news release. “This case highlights the importance of checking in on our young adolescents and creating a safe space for children to disclose abuses they are suffering at the hands of trusted adults. We endeavor to protect all children in need through aggressive prosecution of these crimes.”

Milhiser gave credit to law enforcement, and the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center, for their help on the case.

Milhiser claims on fourth day of trial, Britz failed to appear in court, being apprehended by U.S. Marshals and Springfield Police in Chicago.  He’s expected to be brought back to Springfield at a later date.

Britz could face at least 27 years in prison when he is sentenced.