Lake County deputy coroner held on $250,000 bond

A Lake County deputy coroner accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl was ordered held on $250,000 bond Monday after an appearance in Lake County Circuit court.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak also ordered jail officials to keep Robert Barrett, 42, of Lindenhurst, on a suicide watch because Barrett spent last week in the psychiatric unit of a Waukegan hospital.

Assistant State’s Attorney Fred Day said Barrett, who joined the coroner’s office in 2001, has been molesting the girl for several years.

Day said Barrett is currently charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The investigation into his activities is continuing.

Day said a witness called police after finding Barrett in an inappropriate situation with the girl on Jan. 16, and Waukegan police found him outside the coroner’s office that night.

Barrett was taken to Vista Medical Center West in Waukegan because of concerns for his safety, Day said, and doctors there ordered him held for observation.

Barrett was released from the hospital Monday morning, and was transferred to the Lake County jail.

Potkonjak told Barrett he is to surrender any firearms he has as well as his passport if he is able to post the $25,000 in cash needed for his release.

The judge also barred Barrett from having any contact with anyone under the age of 18 until the criminal case against him is resolved.

Day said Barrett, who was placed on unpaid administrative leave from the coroner’s office after he was arrested, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Waukegan defense attorney Gillian Gosh declined to comment after Barrett’s court appearance.

Potkonjak ordered Barrett to appear in court again Jan. 28 for a review of bond.