SYCAMORE | The ongoing case of the People of the State of Illinois vs. Andrew Rifkin, the sexual assault case involving a former NIU police officer charged with sexual assault against a former NIU student, is said to deliberate today.

The case began in 2011 when the woman alleging the sexual assault was a freshman at NIU involved in a consensual sexual relationship with Rifkin, now 28. She went to Rifkin’s home in Cortland where the alleged unwanted act was performed.

“It felt horrible,” the woman said on trial Tuesday. “I never felt that kind of pain before.”

The woman filled a report with the NIU police about her relationship with Rifkin on Oct. 28, 2011. It wasn’t until later discussions with officers that she alleged sexual assault to law enforcement officials. 

If convicted of criminal sexual assault, Rifkin could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison without probation.

The trial has been over a span of four days and is overseen by Judge William P. Brady.