Round Lake-area man charged with sex assault

Editors Note: Criminal sexual assault and domestic battery charges initially filed against Ruben Sereno, 36, of the 24000 block of Orchard Drive near Round Lake Beach, were dropped following a court hearing on May 1, 2013. An order of protection also filed on behalf of the victim was also dismissed.

A Round Lake-area man has been charged with criminal sexual assault by force and domestic battery after beating a woman over three days, authorities said.

Ruben Sereno, 36, of the 24000 block of Orchard Drive, is also accused of spitting on and kicking the victim, Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Marc Bangser said Wednesday.

The unidentified victim had obtained an order of protection against Sereno's uncle after the man allegedly made inappropriate remarks to her, Bangser said.

Sereno heard about the order of protection and attacked the woman on March 15, Bangser said. He said Sereno allegedly banged her head against a bed frame or headboard in his home.

Bangser said the victim — who knew Sereno — woke up the next day with a swollen lip and bruises on her face, but Sereno threatened her if she went to police.

Sereno kicked, spit on the victim and sexually assaulted her on March 17, Bangser said.

The woman checked herself into Northwest Community Hospital following that attack, Bangser said, and bruises consistent with a sexual assault were found.

Sereno was arrested Tuesday and appeared before Lake County Judge Raymond Collins, where he was ordered held on $100,000 bond.

Sereno was also ordered to have no contact with the victim and was told to surrender to police any guns or ammunition he may own.

He's due back in court April 8.