Sheriff’s office says man might have fled the country

A Kane County jury Wednesday convicted an Aurora man — who went missing two weeks before his trial — of sexually assaulting a girl from June 2004 through November 2010, prosecutors said.

Enrique Ruiz, 85, of the 0-99 block of Farnsworth Avenue, faces between 15 and 67 years in prison for predatory criminal sexual assault of a girl younger than 13.

His trial went on this week despite his absence.

A counselor at the victim’s school notified authorities after the girl said what had happened.

The Kane County Sheriff’s Office said Ruiz might have fled to Mexico where he owns land. His family reported him missing Nov. 24 after he failed to return from a walk two days beforehand in the Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora. Authorities searched the forest preserve with canines without success.

According to court records, Ruiz was arrested in June 2011 and charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, which requires registration as a sex offender if convicted.

During trial, Ruiz’s wife testified that his Mexican passport was missing and that the family owns a house in Mexico City, prosecutors said.

“One factor that makes child sex assault cases so tragic is that the victim often was a family member who trusted the abuser. This case and other cases like it should be a reminder that we will always seek justice for the victim and the community, even when the defendant is missing from the proceedings,” State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said. “I also want to thank the mandated reporter who took prompt action on behalf of this victim.”

Ruiz was free on $25,000 bail while awaiting.

The jury deliberated a little more than two hours before convicting Ruiz.

Judge James Hallock presided over the trial and will issue a sentence Feb. 13.

Sam Partida, Ruiz’s defense attorney, could not immediately be reached for comment.