BETHALTO/EDWARDSVILLE - A Bethalto woman was sentenced Monday, June 29, 2026, to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a minor boy, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced in Edwardsville.
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Amy L. Bryant, 44, admitted to having a sexual relationship with the boy between Oct. 1, 2023, and April 15, 2025, according to the announcement. The boy was 14 when the relationship began and was an acquaintance of Bryant’s family. In addition to the prison term, Bryant will be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Haine said charges against Bryant were filed May 4, 2026, less than a week after an anonymous tip was received. The investigation was conducted by the Bethalto Police Department, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner. Circuit Judge Tim Berkley presided.
“This perpetrator held a position of trust or supervision in relation to the victim, which makes the crime even more abhorrent,” Haine said. “I commend Bethalto Police and our prosecution team for their swift action and resolution of this case, which we hope will allow the victim to continue to heal.”
The victim’s mother gave a victim-impact statement in court, saying the case has profoundly affected her son.
“I want to begin by thanking the investigators, prosecutors and everyone involved in bringing this case to resolution,” the mother said. “I am grateful the system acting quickly on my son’s behalf, and that accountability is being imposed. But I need the Court to understand that while this case may be reaching its conclusion, my son’s sentence is not over.”
The victim also gave an impact statement.
“She took away my sense of safety and trust, but she did not take away who I am,” the victim said of Bryant. “I am rebuilding my life, finding my light again, and moving forward.”
Circuit Judge Tim Berkley presided.
