Crime & Safety

West Chicago Teen Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting Female Relative

A West Chicago teen has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually assaulting a female relative, who was a minor at the time, when he was 16 years old, prosecutors said Monday. 

Juan Hernandez, 18, of 454 Church Street, entered a guilty plea Monday morning to a charge of aggravated criminal sexual assault with a dangerous weapon. 

He is accused of using a knife to force a younger female relative into a bedroom in the home they shared with family members on Dec. 26, 2012, according to a DuPage County State's Attorney Office press release. 

He then held the knife to the victim's chest while he sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said. The victim later told her aunt what had happened and the victim's family contacted police. 

Hernandez was arrested on Jan. 11, 2013, following an investigation by the West Chicago Police Department and the DuPage County Children's Center. 

"This is a very disturbing case and it is my sincerest hope that Hernandez’s young victim will be able to fully recover from the emotional scars he has inflicted upon her," said DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin. "She has shown tremendous courage in coming forward to confront the man who did this to her and for that I commend her. Because of her strength, we are able to hold Mr. Hernandez responsible for his despicable actions."

Hernandez will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. In addition to his prison sentence, Hernandez will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

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