Wheeling teen charged with sexual assault
The defendant's age was reported incorrectly. He is 23. The Daily Herald regrets the error.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the defendant's correct age
By Barbara Vitello
Legal Affairs Writer
bvitello@dailyherald.com
A Cook County judge set bail at $100,000 Monday for a Wheeling teen charged with sexually assaulting a 63-year-old woman.
Henry Vasquez, 23, has been charged as an adult with aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated battery in the Saturday attack.
The woman arrived home from grocery shopping with a companion, exited the car and headed for her apartment while the companion watched from the car, said Assistant State's Attorney Elizabeth Brogan.
The companion noticed Vasquez following the woman until they were out of sight, Brogan said.
After the woman declined Vasquez's offer to help carry her bags, he continued to follow her up the stairs to her home, Brogan said. The woman, who recognized Vasquez from around the apartment complex, told him to go back to his apartment.
After he grabbed her and told her he loved her, the woman told him she was married in an attempt to dissuade him, Brogan said. Brogan said Vasquez then groped the woman, telling her he wanted sex and offering to pay her.
The woman escaped his grasp, entered her apartment and called police.
Vasquez next appears in court on Oct. 2.