‘Sexually Violent’ Convict Reoffended After Escape, Parole: Raoul

CHICAGO — A man convicted of rape has been classified as a sexually violent person after re-offending twice, including once when he escaped from Cook County jail, the Attorney General's office announced Friday.

Michael Sewell, 68, will remain in the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services after a mental health professional declared Sewell's mental illness made him more likely to commit sexually violent crimes in the future.

Sewell was arrested and charged with rape in December 1974, but prosecutors said he escaped from jail before his trial could be held. During the summer of 1975, prosecutors said Sewell raped three more women and robbed their homes. After being recaptured, Sewell was found guilty of rape, deviate sexual assault, burglary and attempted robbery.

The registered sex offender was released on parole in February 1984. Two years later, he was accused of breaking into a woman's home and beating her to the point of permanent nerve damage. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the convictions.

"This offender's history of repeated violent attacks on women in their homes underscores the significant risk he poses to the community," Raoul said in a statement. "I appreciate the judge's decision, which will help protect women from a dangerous predator."

Sewell will now undergo treatment at a facility for sexually violent persons in Rushville, according to state records. Each year, staff will reevaluate the 68 year old to see if he continues to meet the criteria for a sexually dangerous person.

While in court for his 1984 charges, the Chicago Tribune reports Sewell read a letter explaining his deviant behavior was due to an uncle sexually abusing him when he was a child.