Judge bars part of suspect's statements in sex assault case

An Elburn man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl last year after threatening her with a knife won a partial victory Wednesday in his effort to prevent jurors from learning that police say he made incriminating statements after the incident.

A McHenry County judge ruled that police unlawfully questioned Sean A. Lewis at his home before reading him his rights and, as a result, his answers could not be presented if the 18-year-old goes to trial.

In the statement, Lewis admits to having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl but denies threatening her, police said.

However, Judge Sharon Prather said she would allow jurors to see a similar statement Lewis later gave on videotape at the McHenry County Sheriff's Department.

That statement, Prather noted, was given after detectives informed Lewis of his Miranda rights.

The ruling also rejected defense claims that sheriff's investigators took advantage of Lewis' young age and unfamiliarity with the legal system to violate his rights.

"He did not in any way appear frightened or stressed (on the videotape)," Prather said. "There were no threats, promises or coercion."

Lewis faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse stemming from accusations he raped a 14-year-old Cary girl in January 2007, then said he would kill her if she told anyone about it.

Lewis, who lived in Cary at the time, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could land him six to 30 years in prison if found guilty. He is scheduled to return to court July 17 for a pretrial status hearing.