Man gets probation for relationship with 13-year-old girl

A Fox Lake man was placed on probation for two years Tuesday after admitting he molested a 13-year-old girl.

Circuit Judge Daniel Shanes also ordered Robert Shamblin, 24, to perform 100 hours of community service and to make a $250 contribution to the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Assistant State’s Attorney Ari Fisz said the victim, of Union, Ill., ran away from home on July 7, 2009, and was found at Shamblin’s residence in the first block of Hillcrest Avenue the next day.

The girl’s mother had suspected her daughter was involved with Shamblin, Fisz said, because the woman had found messages from Shamblin and pictures of him and her daughter on the girl’s cell phone.

Police interviewed the girl and she claimed that she and Shamblin had been in a dating relationship since December 2008.

Shamblin was also questioned, Fisz said, and he admitted engaging in sexual conduct with the girl.

Shamblin was originally charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, but Fisz agreed to reduce the charge to criminal sexual abuse in exchange for the guilty plea.

Fisz said Shamblin will be required to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years as a result of the plea.