Palatine police: Undercover operation catches indecent exposure suspect

An undercover operation by Palatine police led to the arrest of a man they say previously stood at a window where he lives and exposed himself to a woman.

Eric Sanders, 42, of the 200 block of West Johnson Street, was charged with one count of misdemeanor public indecency and was freed on bail, police announced Friday. Authorities said Sanders was placed on probation for a public indecency conviction a little more than three years ago.

Police said a report about Sanders was made Jan. 21 by a woman who alleged he exposed himself to her while at his window facing the street. Authorities said the woman told officers it wasn't the first time the man believed to be Sanders exposed himself to her from his home.

A female officer dressed in civilian clothes was used for the undercover operation at 10 p.m. Monday. Police said the cop walked the same route as the woman who reported the indecent exposure.

Police said the man appeared at his first-floor window and exposed himself to the officer, and was immediately taken into custody. Authorities said Sanders lives in a condominium building believed to have rental units.

Cmdr. Craig Lesselyoung said the officer was sent out at 10 p.m. because that's the time the victim estimated Sanders exposed himself to her more than once. He said the officer succeeded on her first attempt.

"It wasn't a shot in the dark," Lesselyoung said.

Police said Sanders was convicted of public indecency and lewd exposure in November 2014 for something similar that occurred in the 800 block of West Palatine Road near Quentin Road. He pleaded guilty and received 18 months probation.

Sanders is to appear for a hearing March 22 in the Rolling Meadows branch of Cook County circuit court.