Accused Geneva molester may get extended prison term

Kane County prosecutors say they will seek an extended prison term if a Geneva man is convicted of repeatedly molesting a young girl over a period of two years.

Luis Hernandez, 43, of the 700 block of Samantha Circle, pleaded not guilty Thursday to 20 felony counts, including predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Assistant State's Attorney Lori Schmidt said Hernandez would be eligible for an extended term of up to 60 years in prison if convicted of the most serious offense, a Class X felony, because the victim was between the ages of 10 and 12 when the abuse is said to have occurred.

Hernandez was arrested in April and indicted by a grand jury Tuesday. He was being held Thursday in the county jail on $1 million bail and would need to pay $100,000 to be released.

Defense attorney Richard Irvin said he intends to withdraw as Hernandez's lawyer at his next court date on Aug. 16. Irvin declined to comment further.

According to court records, Hernandez was convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery in Geneva in 2005 and was sentenced to a year of probation.