City Times Staff

Once facing up to 40 years in prison after being accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, a Stevens Point man on Tuesday was sentenced to a year of probation.

Forrest Thill, 21, had initially been charged with second degree sexual assault of an unconscious victim, a felony with a maximum sentence of up to 40 years imprisonment, a $100,000 fine or both if convicted. Instead, Thill pleaded no contest on July 26 to one count each of third-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree sexual assault.

If Thill successfully completes his year-long probation, the third-degree sex assault charge will be dismissed.

According to court documents, UW-Stevens Point Protective Services was contacted on Dec. 6, 2013 by a female university student who said she had been sexually assaulted by Thill while she was asleep on Nov. 25 of that year. The woman told investigators she had gone to sleep while other people were still at her apartment.

She later awoke to find Thill on top of her. He also allegedly removed her clothes while she was asleep.

When Thill was later questioned, he said the woman “did not say no,” and also gave him permission remove her clothing and touch her. He also said he believed he had sexual intercourse with the victim but he was too intoxicated to remember clearly.

Evidence submitted to the Wisconsin State Crime Lab later identified Thill’s DNA on some of the woman’s clothing.

Portage Co. Assistant District Attorney Cass Cousins said Thill had no previous criminal record, which played some part in the sentencing.

Thill was also ordered by Judge Thomas Flugaur to pay a $50 fine and write the victim an apology letter.