Palatine man pleads not guilty to molesting 15-year-old

A Palatine man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he molested a girl in Buffalo Grove.

Bin Zhou, 57, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse in Lake County circuit court.

Assistant State’s Attorney Ken LaRue said Zhou, of the 1000 block of N. Penny Lane, went to some apartments he owns in Buffalo Grove on the morning of Aug. 1.

At one of the apartments, LaRue said, he encountered a 15-year-old girl and struck up a conversation.

LaRue said Zhou offered to buy her a more expensive cellphone, then fondled her, causing the girl to run out of the apartment and call her mother. LaRue said the mother took her immediately to the police station.

Zhou was arrested the same day and was released from custody after posting $15,000 for bond.

Circuit Judge Daniel Shanes scheduled a trial of the case for Nov. 7.

Zhou faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, but would also be eligible for probation.