Fugitive charged in Lake Co. sex cases

A man suspected in several recent sexual attacks may have fled the county, authorities said Friday.

Rajan Nallathambi, 41, who police believe is from the Palatine area, sexually assaulted young women after tricking them into thinking he was a professional masseur offering free sessions, the Lake County sheriff's office said.

The attacks occurred in September in Lindenhurst and unincorporated Lake County in Antioch Township, police said.

Nallathambi is charged in warrants with four felony counts of home invasion, two felony counts of criminal sexual assault, four felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and three felony counts of residential burglary.

If convicted, Nallathambi could face more than 35 years in prison, authorities said.

The crimes were uncovered Sept. 21 after one victim, a Lindenhurst teen, reported being sexually assaulted by a masseur in her home.

Police released a sketch of the suspect to the media, which led to other possible victims coming forward, authorities said.

Information from one potential victim in Genoa, Ill., led investigators to Nallathambi, police said. Two victims identified him as their attacker through photographic lineups, police said.

Investigators learned Friday Nallathambi had purchased a one-way ticket to Germany the same day. Investigators will work with federal authorities to get a warrant that will allow police to arrest Nallathambi in Germany, but his whereabouts is unknown.

"I am hoping with the assistance of the federal government, we will be able to locate Mr. Nallathambi and bring him back to Lake County to face these charges," Sheriff Mark Curran said in a news release.

Anyone with information about Nallathambi or similar attacks should call the sheriff's office at (847) 377-4250.