90-year-old accused in Roselle molestation fit to stand trial

A 90-year-old Roselle man facing charges he molested two boys at a pool party was found mentally fit Thursday to stand trial.

Chester A. Stabrowski had been declared unfit last April after a clinical psychologist testified the man suffered from severe depression, causing confusion, fatigue and suicidal thinking.

At a hearing Thursday, DuPage County Judge George Bakalis reversed that ruling after Stabrowski’s attorneys and prosecutors agreed with a clinical social worker’s more recent report that new medication had eased his symptoms.

Stabrowski is accused of molesting two boys he befriended at church, both younger than 13, during a pool party at his home in summer 2007. Police learned of the allegations several months later, when one of the boys told a parent who alerted authorities.

According to the allegations, the defendant met the boys while volunteering at St. Walter Church in Roselle. He also was active in the community through the Knights of Columbus at the time, authorities have said.

Stabrowski faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault of both boys. The life term would be mandatory because the charges allege severe assault on two different victims, prosecutors said.

Stabrowski remains free on bond. His next court date is May 5, when the defense is expected to file a motion seeking to suppress statements he made to police. A trial date has not been set.