Bail set at $750K for Glen Ellyn man accused of sexually assaulting restaurant employee

A Glen Ellyn man was ordered held on $750,000 bail Sunday on charges alleging he attacked and sexually assaulted a 66-year-old woman as she arrived at work last week in Glendale Heights.

Kenneth Hatlen, 52, of the 2N000 block of Virginia Avenue, is charged with robbery, aggravated battery to a senior and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, according to the DuPage County state's attorney's office.

Officials say the woman was about to start her shift at a restaurant about 4:15 a.m. Friday when Hatlen, a former employee, grabbed her and dragged her to a grassy area near her car. He is accused of strangling the woman, removing her clothing and sexually assaulting her before fleeing the scene.

The woman was taken to the hospital after the attack, officials said.

Glendale Heights police conducted an investigation that resulted in Hatlen's arrest Saturday in Darien. His next court date is June 10.

"The allegations against this defendant, Kenneth Hatlen, are beyond shocking and will be met with the full force and effect of the law," State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. "Our seniors are among the most vulnerable in society and my office stands ready to do whatever we can to protect them and to hold those who would prey on our seniors accountable for their actions."