Lake Co. man admits molesting boys

A Zion Township man was sentenced to 22 years in prison Tuesday after admitting he molested three young boys over a seven-year period.

John Hunter II, 37, pleaded guilty to criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse during a hearing before Lake County Associate Judge George Bridges.

Assistant State's Attorney Brett Henne said Hunter, of the 4100 block of Ravine, began molesting the boys in 2002 when all were about 6 years old.

Henne said all three of the boys were acquainted with a friend of Hunter's, and the attacks would occur when they would visit that friend.

The friend became suspicious of Hunter, Henne said, and Hunter was arrested last November after an investigation by Lake County sheriff's police.

Bridges sentenced Hunter to 15 years on the criminal sexual assault charge and seven years on the aggravated criminal sexual abuse charge.

Waukegan attorney Jed Stone asked Bridges to allow Hunter to serve the terms concurrently, but Bridges said the sentences must be served consecutively.

Henne said Hunter will have to serve 85 percent of the 15-year sentence and 50 percent of the seven-year term before he is eligible for parole.