Cop pleads not guilty to sex charges

A suspended Round Lake Beach police officer charged with molesting a 16-year-old girl pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Leroy Kuffel, 51, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Prosecutors said Kuffel met the 16-year-old girl he is accused of molesting while off-duty and visiting his son in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.

In March of this year, Assistant State's Attorney Victor O'Block said, Kuffel picked up the girl at her home, took her to dinner, then to his house where they had sex.

Lake County sheriff's police began an investigation of Kuffel after receiving an anonymous tip about him and the girl.

He was charged in April and suspended from the department pending the outcome of the case.

Circuit Judge Victoria Rossetti scheduled a trial of the case for Aug. 31. Rossetti ordered Kuffel, who was released after posting $20,000 for bond, to appear in court July 1.