Deputy coroner denies molestation charges

A Lake County deputy coroner accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Lake County circuit court.

Robert Barrett, 42, is charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault and 14 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in the case.

Assistant State’s Attorney Fred Day said Barrett, an employee of the coroner’s office since 2001, is charged with molesting the girl in his Lindenhurst home between March 2009 and last month.

Police were called after a witness found Barrett in an inappropriate situation with the girl on Jan. 16, Day said.

Barrett, who was placed on unpaid administrative leave shortly after his arrest, is being held in the Lake County jail on $250,000 bond.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak told Barrett at a hearing Tuesday morning he faces a minimum sentence of four years in prison if convicted of any of the criminal sexual assault counts against him.

Potkonjak also told Barrett there is a possibility he could face consecutive sentences if convicted of multiple charges in the case.

Barrett is due to appear in court again March 22.