Round Lake teens deny trying to kidnap, rob neighbor

A pair of Round Lake teens accused of kidnapping a neighbor and trying to rob her pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County circuit court.

James Green and Zachary Abear, both 18, face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of aggravated kidnapping, armed violence and attempted armed robbery.

Assistant State's Attorney Scott Hoffert said the pair, who share an apartment in the 1200 block of Coventry Glen Drive, wore masks while standing outside a neighbor's door early in the morning of Dec. 3. When the 28-year-old woman opened the door of her apartment to go to work, Hoffert said, Green and Abear grabbed her and tried to put duct tape over her mouth.

Hoffert said Green and Abear, who was carrying a shotgun, led the woman up two flights of stairs until she screamed and startled the teens.

The woman then threw her coffee into Green's face, Hoffert said, and the two attackers ran away.

Several days later, Hoffert said, Green's girlfriend was being interviewed by police about another matter and she told them she thought Green had been involved in the attack on the woman.

Police interviewed both men, Hoffert said, and they admitted their involvement and led police to the shotgun Green had provided to Abear.

Hoffert said the two told police they had attempted the robbery because they were behind on their rent.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman scheduled a trial of the case for March 1 and ordered both to appear in court Feb. 8.

Green is held in the Lake County jail on $150,000 bond, and Abear was released after posting $10,000.