Arlington Heights man gets probation for sex abuse

An Arlington Heights man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in August received probation Monday after he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, according to the Chicago Tribune.

According to the report, 25-year-old Blake Alberts met the woman and a group of friends at Club 220, a nightclub in Lake in the Hills, on Aug. 12. After leaving the club, Alberts held the woman down inside her home in Crystal Lake and forced her to perform sex acts, the report said.

The report also said Alberts and a friend stole jewelry worth more than $500 before leaving the woman's home.

Alberts pleaded guilty to felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse and theft of more than $500. A charge of criminal sexual assault was dismissed in exchange for his plea, the report said.

Under Illinois law, a conviction for aggravated criminal sexual abuse can carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison. But the report said Alberts received two years probation and must pay close to $1,500 in fines and fees. He will also have to register for life as a sex offender under the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act, the report said.

Officials at the McHenry County state's attorney's office didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.