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Ex-Arlington Heights 'Jeopardy!' champ facing sex assault charges

A former “Jeopardy!” champion from Arlington Heights has been charged with the sexual assault of a minor, and will not appear on the show's annual Tournament of Champions.

Jerry Slowik, 28, won $122,000 on “Jeopardy!” over five shows that aired in December 2013 and January 2014. Such a streak and winnings would qualify him for the show's annual Tournament of Champions, which tapes later in September, but a spokeswoman for “Jeopardy!” on Wednesday said he would not be on the show again.

Slowik is scheduled for a jury trial in Walworth County, Wisconsin starting Oct. 13 on a charge of second degree sexual assault of a child, according to Wisconsin court documents.

According to a story in The Lake Geneva Regional News, the assault allegedly took place in March. The paper reported that Slowik was accused of having sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl and could face 40 years in jail and $100,000 in fines if convicted.

Slowik pleaded not guilty to the charge on May 2.

“Jeopardy!” will tape the 2014 Tournament of Champions in September and air the episodes in November. Slowik's name still appears on a Wikipedia entry for the 2014 Tournament of Champions, however. The show's spokeswoman declined to comment on if the pending court case against him in Wisconsin is why he won't be on the show again.

Slowik's attorney declined to comment Wednesday, saying he never comments on the status of an open case. Slowik could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

At the time of his “Jeopardy” appearances, Slowik was working as a security guard at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights home. The Buffalo Grove High School graduate said he hoped to spend the money on travel and to move out of his parents' Arlington Heights home.

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