Scannell apologizes after sexual misconduct guilty verdict

A day after he was found guilty of sexual misconduct, former Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell issued an apology to the woman who testified against him during his trial.

The apology was emailed to reporters:

I apologize to the young woman involved from the bottom of my being for hurting her in any way and to her family for the pain I have caused them; they have always treated me with kindness and respect. I apologize to my incredible wife and sons, our supportive families and friends, and the Cook County community for the trouble I have caused. I have done wrong, and I take full responsibility for those mistakes and the pain that resulted. I hope some of you can forgive me someday.

The woman, who is now 19, told jurors she and Scannell saw each other often during the summer of 2012, but on two dates that August he inappropriately touched her breasts, stomach and legs. He suggested later they have sex, she said, but she declined.

Scannell, now 48, was charged in October with two felony counts. The jury of nine men and three women deliberated for about eight hours before announcing their decision Friday afternoon.