Judge sentences coffee shop rapist to 120 years in prison
By Ray Popkess • Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on July 9 that a man who sexually assaulted a woman in Troy after abducting her from the parking lot of a Collinsville coffee shop has been sentenced to 120 years in prison.
In May, a jury found Timothy J. Dubois Jr., 42, of Shobonier, guilty of aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Circuit Judge Tim Berkley imposed the sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner and First Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley. During arguments at the sentencing hearing, Buettner said the victim “survived a nightmare.”
She was abducted on Nov. 11, 2022, from a Starbucks parking lot in Collinsville. The defendant got into the victim’s car with a large knife and ordered her to drive to a residential area in Troy, where he sexually assaulted her. Dubois then drove the victim back to the Collinsville business district, put a coat over her head, ordered her to count to 100 and vanished.
At trial, the victim testified she feared the attacker would kill her.
During the sentencing, Dubois’ defense asked the court for a break in the sentencing, stating that the rapist was a veteran who served his country and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The prosecution rebutted that, reminding everyone in court that Dubois committed the crime on Veterans’ Day and told his victim that he deserved her because he was a veteran.
The victim was not familiar with the Troy location but investigators were able to track the movement of her Apple watch to a general area. Investigators combed the area and, on a gravel roadway in Troy, found a discarded condom. The condom contained male DNA and the DNA of the victim. The male DNA, however, did not match any profiles in a police database.
Collinsville Police then used forensic investigative genetic genealogy to come up with a list of close relatives of the male DNA profile. The information eventually led investigators to Dubois.
The case marked the first time that forensic genealogical DNA was used in a prosecution in Madison County.
“Forensic genealogical DNA proved to be an invaluable tool in this case but it was effective only because dedicated investigators knew how to use it,” Haine said. “The investigators paired this new technology with determined police work, following every lead. The Collinsville Police Department never stopped searching for answers and their persistence ultimately brought this predator to justice.
This outcome reflects the best of our criminal justice system: investigators who never gave up, prosecutors who thoroughly prepared their case, a jury that carefully evaluated the evidence and a sentence that fits the crime,” Haine said.
Collinsville Police Chief Brett Boerm stated in a comment after the sentencing that “we put a monster away today. We can’t forget that there is still a victim who has a long road ahead of her. But I believe justice was served today.
[The officers on this case] were doing old-fashioned police work. Technology is our friend in law enforcement but it sometimes can be difficult. They were out scouring a wooded area off the beaten path looking for any items of evidence.”
Haine commended the Collinsville Police Department and the multiple agencies that assisted in the investigation:
- Troy Police Department
- Illinois State Police
- Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois
- St. Louis County Police Department
- Jefferson County, MO Sheriff’s Department
- Illinois Attorney General’s Office
- Illinois Secretary of State Police
- Illinois Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center
- Vandalia Police Department
- Fayette County Sheriff’s Office
- Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
- Belleville Police Department
Dubois was sentenced to 40 years for one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault, 40 years for another count of aggravated criminal sexual assault, 30 years for aggravated kidnapping, five years for one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and five years for another count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Pursuant to statute, he will serve a minimum of 68 years in prison.
“Today’s sentence ensures that a dangerous sexual predator will spend many years in prison,” Haine said. “While no sentence can erase what the victim endured, it does provide accountability and protects others from becoming victims. We commend the victim for her courageous cooperation in the investigation and prosecution and we continue to hold her in our prayers.”
Boerm issued the following statement:
“Today’s sentence brings a measure of justice for a victim who endured an unimaginable ordeal. While no sentence can erase the trauma that was inflicted, we hope this outcome provides some sense of closure and reassurance that the person responsible has been held accountable.
“This case reflects the unwavering commitment investigators from the Collinsville Police Department displayed in the pursuit of justice for this victim. From the start, investigators worked tirelessly, following every lead, gathering evidence, while displaying outside-the-box thinking that ultimately led to a successful prosecution.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for its partnership throughout this investigation and prosecution. The level of collaboration from start to finish was tremendous and we are thankful for their support that led to today’s outcome.”
