Judge reduces bond on man accused of molesting 2 girls
Cook County Judge Kay Hanlon on Wednesday reduced by half the bond of a 59-year-old Alzheimer's patient accused of molesting two young girls in Hanover Park.
Bond for Ruben Perez was cut from $100,000 to $50,000 in the case, centering on alleged abuse of two 5-year-old girls last June in Hanover Park, where he lived at the time.
Perez's attorney Alan Blumenthal said his client, who he says suffers from dementia, memory loss and cognitive impairment resulting from early-onset of the disease, cannot receive proper treatment at Cermak Hospital, the medical facility affiliated with the Cook County jail.
Perez has been held at the hospital since his bond hearing Saturday.
Police charged Perez with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse after they say he lured the girls into his home with an invitation to play with his dog and cat.
If convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault, Perez faces six to 60 years in prison. State law mandates that he serve 85 percent of his sentence.
Days after the allegations surfaced, Perez was admitted to Alexian Brothers Hospital where doctors diagnosed Alzheimer's disease, Blumenthal said.
Last fall, a court determined that Perez was incapable of making decisions on his own behalf and appointed his son, Christopher Perez, as guardian. After his release from Alexian Brothers Hospital, he moved to his son's apartment in Chicago. According to Blumenthal, Ruben Perez now requires supervision 24 hours a day. Citing his client's condition, Blumenthal asked the court to reduce bond to $25,000.
Hanlon denied his request.
"That's not going to happen in my courtroom," she said.
The hearing was marked by heated arguments by the defense and prosecution.
Assistant State's Attorney Matt Medina argued vigorously against any reduction in bond, saying Perez had the presence of mind to entice two children into his Hanover Park home. Moreover, Medina argued, the defendant's alleged inability to comprehend or control his actions makes him an even greater threat to society.
Blumenthal countered with a suggestion that his client submit to electronic home monitoring as a condition of his release.
"That makes no sense," Medina said.
Blumenthal cannot argue for Perez's release based on inadequate medical care provided by Cermak, which has physicians on call 24 hours a day, and then propose that the defendant be confined to his home, where no medical care is available, Medina said.
The hearing concluded after a brief recess with Hanlon granting a bond reduction and imposing special conditions upon Perez's release.
If he makes bail, he will be subject to electronic monitoring and must remain in his home except for physician visits. He may not contact the victims or their families and he can have no contact with anyone under 18.
Perez next appears in court March 5.