Streamwood man charged with sexually abusing two girls

A 46-year-old Streamwood man was ordered held on a $1 million cash bond Monday on charges he sexually abused two girls beginning when they were 8 and 9 years old, respectively.

Joseph Gizel is charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault. If convicted of both counts, Gizel could face a sentence of life in prison, according to prosecutors.

The cash bond means he has to post the entire amount in order to be released from custody while the case is pending.

Cook County prosecutors say Gizel abused the girls on multiple occasions during about four years. The accusers disclosed the abuse to an adult last month, but police were not alerted until June 25, after the adult "had a safety plan in place," Assistant State's Attorney Nicole Murphy said.

In a June 26 interview with police, Gizel denied the allegations, said Murphy, who had asked Cook County Judge Steven Goebel to hold Gizel without bail.

Gizel's background includes misdemeanor battery convictions in 1994, 1997 and 1998 and felony aggravated battery and theft convictions in 1991. His next court date is July 17.