Foster Facility Manager Sentenced for Sexual Assault

A former manager at a defunct foster facility in South Side Chicago was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexual assault. Yadira Escamilla, one of the victims, expressed relief following the sentencing of Trulon Henry.

“Initially it was nerve-wracking,” Escamilla said. She felt a sense of justice when Cook County Judge Ursula Walowski delivered the 30-year sentence. Henry, 41, was found guilty in March for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and multiple counts of criminal sexual assault against three children, including Escamilla.

The case brought to light serious issues within the facility. Escamilla had sued Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness and its security contractor, A-Alert Security Services. She alleged that the facility lacked basic security measures and that she was forced to stay in a basement without windows or cameras, where Henry assaulted her.

She recalled being locked in the basement, where she had no access to others. “It was scary,” she said. On one occasion, a staff member allegedly witnessed the assault but failed to act. This inaction made Escamilla hesitant to report further.

Henry’s misconduct continued over months. Although relieved by the sentence, Escamilla believes he deserved a longer term. Henry received four years for each count of criminal sexual assault and six years for predatory criminal sexual assault, expected to run consecutively.

Testifying in court was challenging for Escamilla, but she considered it essential for justice. Henry sought a new trial through his public defender, arguing insufficient evidence, but the court denied the motion.

In her victim impact statement, Escamilla shared how the abuse damaged her mental health. “I want awareness,” she said, hoping future incidents can be prevented. Her attorney, Margaret Battersby Black, stated that the criminal conviction supports their civil case against Aunt Martha’s and A-Alert Security.

Escamilla claimed in her lawsuit that the organizations ignored signs of misconduct. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was also named in the suit. Henry, a former University of Illinois football player with a criminal past, was hired to work with at-risk children. Despite the gravity of the situation, Aunt Martha’s has denied many allegations.