String of Sexual Assaults Spanning Three Years Ends in Arrest

 Posted on May 16, 2025 in Sex Crimes

A series of sexual assaults in Chicago that spanned almost three years has resulted in the arrest of a man police say "hunted" his victims. The sexual assaults occurred in some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city. The 36-year-old man faces 18 charges related to five attacks. These charges include home invasion, strangulation with a dangerous instrument, sexual assault, and kidnapping.

The dates of the alleged attacks are from 2022 to February 2025, with no known assaults between July 2022 and January 2025, when the attacks resumed. The alleged perpetrator was returning from a trip to Algeria when he was arrested at O’Hare International Airport. Prosecutors on the case say that video, DNA evidence, and victim statements will be used to prove the charges.

If you are facing serious charges of sexual assault, it is extremely important that you have a strong legal advocate in your corner who will zealously represent you, build the strongest defense possible on your behalf, and look for weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. When you have a highly experienced St. Charles, IL criminal defense attorney from Komie and Associates by your side, you are more likely to have a positive outcome.   

Sexual Assault Charges in Illinois

Rape is not a legal term used in Illinois; sexual assault is the term used to describe rape and similar charges. To charge a person with sexual assault, prosecutors must prove that sexual penetration occurred, along with any one of the following:

• The alleged victim could not understand or consent to sex.
• There was force used against the alleged victim or the threat of force.
• The alleged victim was between the ages of 13 and 18, and the alleged perpetrator was over 17 and held a position of trust.
• The alleged victim was under the age of 18, and the alleged perpetrator was a family member.

Sexual assault in Illinois is a non-probational offense, with a statutory minimum of four years and a maximum of 15 years. Subsequent offenses are categorized as Class X felonies – the most severe felonies aside from murder. There are certain instances where aggravated sexual assault can be charged.

This can occur when a dangerous weapon is used during the sexual assault, bodily harm is inflicted, the life of the victim is threatened, the sexual assault occurred during the commission of another felony, the victim was over 60 or physically handicapped, drugs were used in the assault, or a firearm was discharged.

Sexual assault can be difficult to prove, making plea bargains common. A plea bargain must be carefully considered since virtually any sex offense will result in the offender being required to register as a sex offender.

Defenses to Sexual Assault

While each case will have unique circumstances and facts, there are some common defenses to sexual assault, including:

• The defendant has a solid alibi that proves he or she could not be the perpetrator.
• The prosecution cannot prove a lack of consent.
• The victim misidentified the defendant as the perpetrator.
• The credibility of the victim is suspect due to inconsistent statements, past allegations, a provable motive to lie, a lack of corroborating evidence, mental health issues, or substance abuse.
• The evidence was not collected and/or handled properly.
• There was no valid warrant for the search of the defendant’s home.
• The defendant’s constitutional rights were violated.

Contact a Kane County, IL Sexual Assault Lawyer

If you are facing charges of sexual assault, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable Geneva, IL sexual assault attorney from Komie and Associates. Attorney Komie regularly represents high-profile clients, leveraging the expertise of his highly skilled team to support the firm’s commitment to securing the best outcome for each client. To schedule your free consultation, call 312-263-2800.