Round Lake man accused of sexual assaulting a youth pleads not guilty

A Round Lake man pleaded not guilty in Lake County court Tuesday to charges he molested a victim under the age of 17 during a four-year span.

Sixto Herrera-Parra, 36, of the 300 block of Caldwell Drive, faces six counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, said Cynthia Vargas, communications manager of the Lake County state's attorney's office.

If found guilty at trial, Herrera-Parra could be sentenced up to 30 years in prison, Vargas said. He is free from Lake County jail after posting the required 10 percent of his $150,000 bail.

Vargas said a witness contacted the Round Lake Police Department in February with claims Herrera-Parra had been abusing a victim under the age of 17. The victim was interviewed by the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center, and Herrera-Parra was interviewed by police, Vargas said.

Herrera-Parra admitted to inappropriately touching the victim on several occasions between 2010 and July 2014, Vargas said. He was arrested Feb 12, Vargas said.

Defense attorney Barry Boches did not comment on the case after Herrera-Parra's arraignment hearing Tuesday.

Herrera-Parra is due back in court May 18 for a status hearing and June 8 for a case management conference. His trial is scheduled for July 27.