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Wheeling man pleads guilty to battery

A Wheeling man pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated battery in the molestation of an 11-year-old boy.

In exchange for Onetsed Ruiz's plea to the Class 3 felony, Cook County Judge Bridget Hughes sentenced him to two years in prison, with credit for the 271 days he has spent in custody since his arrest. Ruiz, who has no criminal background, must serve at least 50 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Hughes also ordered Ruiz to have no contact with the victim or his family.

Ruiz and the boy became acquainted in 2011, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Tammy Strickman. Sometime between June 1 and June 20, 2011, Ruiz molested the then-11-year-old victim, who told his parents about the molestation in April 2013, Strickman said.

The victim and his family agreed with the sentence, Strickman said.

"We think this is a fair and equitable sentence," said Cook County Assistant Public Defender Helen Tsimouris, who indicated her client has no relationship with the victim or his family.

Wheeling man accused of molestation

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