Former Cary man gets probation for sex abuse

A former Cary man will serve six months in jail for fondling a 10-year-old female relative seven years ago, under a sentence handed down Friday by a McHenry County judge.

Judge Joseph Condon also order Miguel Lazaro, 33, of the 1400 block of Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake, to serve two years' probation, complete sex offender treatment and pay a $1,000 fine.

Lazaro admitted on the witness stand to fondling the girl on several occasions over several months in 2003. He pleaded guilty in December to aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a felony that could have landed him up to seven years in prison.

In handing down the sentence, - the maximum Lazaro could receive without going to prison - Condon cited Lazaro's lack of serious criminal history other than the sex abuse charge, as well as an evaluation that found Lazaro is a low risk for committing another sex offense.

Since being charged, Lazaro testified, he has become a faithful Jehovah's Witness, and his newfound religion and ongoing sex offender treatment have taught him his actions were wrong.

"I have learned that I am responsible for all the damage I caused," he said. "I swear, I am not going to do something like that again. I am not a bad person. I made a mistake."

Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally argued for a five-year prison term, pointing out that Lazaro knew his actions were wrong when they happened.

"He showed over the course of a year he was willing to re-offend time and time again," Kenneally said. "What the defendant did is going to haunt the victim for the rest of her life."

Lazaro, who has been free on bond, must surrender to authorities Aug. 13 to begin serving his jail term.