Man's trial postponed after accuser recants

The trial of a Downers Grove man accused of molesting a minor in his care was postponed Thursday after the accuser recanted the allegations.

DuPage Circuit Judge Blanche Hill Fawell granted the prosecution's request for a continuance until Sept. 10 as authorities seek evidence to try to impeach the young accuser.

Santiago Diaz, 47, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

He is accused of repeatedly molesting the girl, at ages 12 and 13, about a year ago in Downers Grove.

The girl confided in a school counselor. Diaz was arrested after a police investigation last September and has remained in jail.

Earlier this week, the now 14-year-old girl recanted on the witness stand after testifying she made up the allegation. But prosecutors allege the girl may have been coerced into the testimony, which conflicted with prior statements to several authorities.

Prosecutors are reviewing several recorded telephone conversations in which a jailed Diaz spoke with the girl's mother, who authorities said is supportive of Diaz.