Palatine man admits touching teen, avoids prison

A 24-year-old Palatine man avoided a possible prison sentence, and a lifetime as a registered sex offender, under a plea deal in which he admitted guilt Friday to allegations he unlawfully touched a 13-year-old girl.

Pierre Pertiller, of the 1l00 block of Northwest Highway, instead was sentenced to 170 days in jail and two years probation after pleading guilty to aggravated battery in connection with the Nov. 14, 2008 incident.

Pertiller must also pay a $500 fine and undergo a sex offender evaluation, but he will not be required to register as a sex offender because aggravated battery is not a sex offense.

Two charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, felonies punishable by a maximum three to seven years in prison, were dismissed as part of the negotiated plea.

The aggravated battery charge alleged Pertiller "touched (the victim's) sex organ and that said touching was insulting and provoking," Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Philip Hiscock said in court Friday.

The incident occurred in the back seat of a car as Pertiller, the girl and others drove in Marengo.

Prosecutors agreed to the reduced charge in part because the victim has a history of mental illness and emotional issues, said Nichole Owens, criminal division chief for the McHenry County State's Attorney.

"We discussed the case with the victim's father and he acknowledged the problems and agreed with the disposition," Owens said.

Pertiller's lawyer, Senior Assistant Public Defender Christopher Harmon, declined to comment.