Former Springfield Man Found Guilty of Crimes Against Children

On May 7, 2025, a Sangamon County Jury found Ricardo A. Black, of Florissant, Missouri, guilty of four counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault and two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. 

Evidence presented at trial showed that Black was the boyfriend of a Springfield woman with two minor daughters and that, between late 2020 and February of 2021, Black sexually assaulted and abused the children, who were 9 and 11 years old at the time of the offense. Black is scheduled for sentencing before Chief Judge Ryan Cadagin on August 20, 2025. He faces a minimum sentence of 27 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Judge Cadagin ordered Black into custody following the guilty verdict, where he will remain pending sentencing.

Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office Child Protection Division Chief Kendra Hansel and Assistant State's Attorney Nick Bailey prosecuted the case in coordination with the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center and the Springfield Police Department.

State's Attorney John Milhiser commented on the verdict, stating, "Two children in our community bravely disclosed abuse they were suffering at the hands of a trusted adult. This case highlights the unfortunate reality that children are often abused by caregivers inside the home. We endeavor to protect all children in need through aggressive prosecution of these crimes. Investigations of child sexual abuse require a multi-faceted approach and we appreciate the hard work of the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center and the Springfield Police Department for empowering these two young ladies to come forward and holding this offender accountable."