Aurora man held on trespassing charges

An Aurora man, who police say has been on their radar for quite a while, is being held in DuPage County jail on trespassing charges following his actions at an area pool.

Damien Dickens, 36, of the 4200 block of Windrift Court, is charged with felony criminal trespass to a public place of amusement and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. A DuPage judge set Dickens' bail at $300,000 Thursday afternoon.

Assistant State's Attorney Bill Costello said Dickens drew the attention of several adults attending a children's swim meet Tuesday evening at a privately owned recreational club on the 300 block of South Oakhurst Drive.

Costello said parents observed Dickens "leering" at children as they exited the locker rooms. Costello said Dickens, when approached, lied and said he had a son participating in the 200-meter swim. But there was no such event and he was asked to leave.

Police said parents and coaches took several pictures of both Dickens and his vehicle as he exited the pool area. Police arrested Dickens Tuesday evening in Montgomery following an investigation.

"If these allegations are proven true, regardless of his intentions, (Dickens) had no right to be present at a members-only club," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said.

Dickens has a criminal history in DuPage County, including a 2005 conviction for falsely reporting rapes. He's also been convicted of misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct for exposing himself to minors and making obscene gestures with women's underwear on display at Aurora and Naperville department stores.

His next court date is scheduled for July 27 before Judge Robert Kleeman. He faces between one and six years in prison if convicted.