Round Lake Beach sex assault suspect nabbed in Texas

A Round Lake Beach man accused of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl has been arrested by Texas authorities, Round Lake Beach police confirmed Thursday.

Aurelio Duran, 45, was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child stemming from a 2001 attack, Round Lake Beach Deputy Chief Rich Chiarello said.

Duran was picked up in Florence, Texas, by a task force about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Chiarello said. Duran is held in a Texas jail in lieu of $200,000 bond, and arrangements are being made to return him to Lake County for trial.

"It was a good effort by law enforcement here and in Texas," Chiarello said. "Investigators didn't give up on him when it was discovered he might have fled to Mexico and, instead, we continued to work for the alleged victim who brought it forward."

Chiarello said a Round Lake Beach girl came forward earlier this year about the sexual assault.

The Lake County state's attorney's office investigated and an arrest warrant was issued for Duran in February.

Chiarello said Round Lake Beach police contacted Texas police about Duran with the tip that he may have fled to Mexico. However, it was discovered he was living with his brother in Texas.

Duran is charged with one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 years of age. If convicted of the Class X felony, he could spend up to 30 years behind bars.