Palatine man charged with abusing teen

A Palatine man who police say fondled a teen girl in an apartment building laundry room was in court Saturday on a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony.

Police said Jose Ramos, 34, gave a statement to officials about the incident, but prosecutors say they don't know what he said -- or even whether he denied or admitted the acts.

He was released from jail on his own recognizance because of that uncertainty, authorities said, but is due in court again Dec. 26.

Ramos' charges stem from encounters with a 15-year-old in the laundry room of his apartment building, 1226 E. Long Valley Drive in Palatine.

Prosecutors say Ramos first approached the girl there on Dec. 3, asking her if she wanted to be his lover. When she said no, he fondled her, prosecutors said, kissing her as she tried to get away. Similar encounters occurred Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, officials said.