Elgin man gets probation for sexually abusing Lake Co. girl

An Elgin man was placed on two year's probation Monday after he admitted having sex with a 16-year-old Round Lake Park girl.

Lake County Circuit Judge John Phillips also ordered Proseso Rodriguez-Flores, 22, to perform 50 hours of public service.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Steven Derue said Rodriguez-Flores, of 1361 Blackhawk Drive, was in a dating relationship with the girl that her parents had permitted.

Around 3:28 a.m. on May 28, a Round Lake Park police officer on patrol spotted a car parked with its engine running in the 500 block of Arbor Lane.

The officer shined his spotlight into the car, Derue said, and saw the girl partially undressed in the front passenger seat.

Rodriguez-Flores, who was in the driver's seat of the car, was taken in for questioning.

He eventually admitted he had sex with the girl that morning and on three prior occasions.

Rodriguez-Flores was originally charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and faced a maximum of seven years in prison.

But Derue said he agreed to reduce the charge to criminal sexual abuse, punishable by up to a year in jail, in exchange for the guilty plea.

Phillips told Rodriguez-Flores he will have to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years, and the conviction could trigger his deportation to his native Mexico.