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March 12, 2005
Coach found guilty of molesting seven girls
Gymnastics coach Michael Cardamone sat impassively as a DuPage County jury convicted him Friday of molesting seven young girls he instructed at his Aurora gym, but acquitted him of charges he sexually abused seven other girls.
The split verdicts in perhaps the largest mass molestation trial ever held in the county, however, may not spare the 28-year-old Aurora man a hefty prison term when sentenced later this year.
He still faces a sentence of up to 54 years, authorities said, although acquittals on the most serious charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child spare him a mandatory life sentence.
Prosecutors praised the guilty verdicts the jurors delivered after a nearly eight-week trial that saw all 14 girls testify Cardamone fondled or inappropriately touched them during classes at the American Institute of Gymnastics between 2000 and 2002.
"This verdict ensures Michael Cardamone will never prey on another child again,'' DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett said, adding the convictions make it clear that Cardamone is a "child sexual predator.''
The jury that convicted Cardamone of nine of the 20 sexual abuse and assault charges he faced deliberated for about 22 hours over three days before reaching its decision. The verdicts were announced about 5 p.m. in a courtroom filled with the parents of the girls he was charged with molesting, as well as with his family members and supporters.
Appeal planned
Cardamone's calm slipped as jurors were polled about their verdicts, and he turned to look at his wife, Liz, who had testified on his behalf. Tears trickled down his cheeks and he shook his head slowly as his wife, who gave birth to their second child during the trial, sobbed softly.
Cardamone's sister collapsed as the verdicts were read, and she was carried out of the courthouse on a stretcher.
Cardamone insisted during testimony he never fondled or molested any student. Defense attorneys John Donahue and Joseph Laraia promised an appeal.
The families of the girls, now between 8 and 16 years old, released a statement afterward.
"We are extremely proud of the courage and honesty the girls have demonstrated throughout this traumatic time,'' the parents said. "It is our hope that the bravery these girls have displayed will give other victims of child abuse the courage to come forward.''
Cardamone's wife, mother and other relatives left the courthouse without speaking, although a family friend questioned the verdicts.
"The evidence wasn't at all supporting the final judgment,'' said the friend, who asked not to be identified.
The jurors, eight women and four men, left the courthouse under police escort and declined to comment on the deliberations.
Posted by Nealus at March 12, 2005 11:26 AM
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