Mendota funeral director sentenced to three years in prison for sexual abuse – Shaw Local

A Mendota funeral director was sentenced to three years in prison Friday for having a prolonged sexual relationship with a teenage girl.

Brett W. Merritt, 55, pleaded guilty to three counts in La Salle County District Court in May. A six-year relationship with a teenager resulted in two convictions for aggravated sexual abuse and possession of sexual abuse images.

Merritt, who is eligible for parole and hopes to avoid a prison sentence of up to seven years, appeared in court Friday to ask for parole and said he has fully cooperated with voluntary sex offender treatment.

“I know what I did was wrong,” Merritt said, apologizing to the victim, his family and the entire community. “It was 100% my fault. I accept that.”

Presiding Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. acknowledged Merritt's guilty plea, remorse and voluntary treatment – “which is really unusual here” – but ultimately ruled that probation would lessen the severity of the offense.

Merritt was charged in July 2023 after Mendota police completed a lengthy investigation and announced the seizure of several digital images created during the relationship.

On Friday, Mendota defense attorney David Kaleel requested probation and a prison sentence. Kaleel said Merritt has no significant criminal history and health problems that would make incarceration an unreasonable burden. Merritt also has been fully involved in treatment and has received high marks from his counselor.

“I think Mr. Merritt would benefit from probation and therapy,” Kaleel said.

Kaleel also said a prison sentence could have a disastrous impact on the funeral home because the only other licensed funeral director is Merritt's father, who is nearly 82 and unable to cope with the physical demands of the job.

The La Salle County District Attorney's Office asked Ryan to impose a six-year prison sentence. While acknowledging that Merritt has no significant criminal history, District Attorney Greg Sticka said several aggravating circumstances warranted a prison sentence.

The victim said in a statement that the illicit relationship had lasting effects – “He took everything I loved about myself and more” – and damaged her ability to have a normal relationship.

Sticka also reminded the judge that Merritt had met the victim in a professional setting. Merritt may have a good reputation, Sticka acknowledged, but “he used that position to gain an entry point – an easier means to commit this crime.”

“There is a very strong power and control component,” said Sticka. “A predatory component.”

Ryan rejected the state's request for six years. The judge said he was annoyed that Merritt held onto the sexual images of the teen.

“I'm torn on this issue,” the judge said, “and I can't impose probation – I just can't. Anyone who is 49 years old knows that 14-year-olds don't make good decisions.”

Ryan granted Merritt a brief reprieve from his sentence and gave him a week to settle his business affairs before going to prison.

Merritt may not have to stay in prison long. Thanks to his pre-trial release in an ankle bracelet, he has received credit for nearly 10 months of time already served and is eligible for day-to-day compensation. His release is likely in early 2025.