ILLINOIS TATTOO ARTIST FOUND GUILTY ON FOUR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE COUNTS AS SENTENCING DATE IS SET

Juan Duarte, a 31-year-old tattoo artist in Quincy, Illinois, has been found guilty on all four counts in a criminal sexual assault and abuse case following a jury trial that lasted several days.

The verdict was returned on October 7, 2026. Duarte was remanded to the Adams County Jail and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 3. The case attracted local attention as jurors heard testimony from witnesses, police officers and forensic specialists.

A Trial That Began With Jury Selection

Duarte appeared before Judge Michael Atterberry as jury selection began on October 5. Prosecutors proceeded with one count of criminal sexual assault and three counts of criminal sexual abuse, alleging the offenses involved the use or threat of force.

The charges stemmed from an incident reported at Guatemala Ink Tattoo Shop in Quincy. Duarte was arrested on March 25, 2026, and the case subsequently moved toward trial.

Witnesses Testified for the Prosecution

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from a friend of the alleged victim, a hospital emergency-room nurse, members of the Quincy Police Department and a forensic scientist with the Illinois State Police crime laboratory.

The testimony formed part of the prosecution’s effort to establish the circumstances of the incident and support the charges. The jury was responsible for weighing the evidence and deciding whether the prosecution had proved each count beyond a reasonable doubt.

Duarte Took the Stand in His Own Defence

Duarte testified on the second day of the trial, answering questions from his defence attorney and the prosecution. His testimony concluded on October 6, ahead of closing arguments scheduled for the following morning.

The defence and prosecution presented their competing accounts before the jury began deliberations. After considering the evidence, jurors found Duarte guilty on all four counts.

The Jury Reached Its Decision in Just Over Two Hours

According to local reporting, the jury took slightly more than two hours to return its verdicts. Following the decision, Duarte was returned to custody at the Adams County Jail while awaiting sentencing.

The verdict marks the conclusion of the trial phase, but the legal process is not yet complete. The court must still determine the sentence based on the convictions and applicable law.

Sentencing Scheduled for December

Duarte is due back in court on December 3, 2026, for sentencing. Before that hearing, the court will proceed with the steps required to determine the appropriate punishment for the four convictions.

The case underscores the role of witness testimony, forensic evidence and jury deliberations in criminal trials. The sentencing hearing will determine the next stage of the proceedings following the jury’s verdict.

Source: WGEM News and Quincy Herald-Whig, October 5–8, 2026.