Judge orders Barrington woman charged with sexually abusing teen to remain in jail

A Barrington woman charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy will remain in the Lake County jail after a judge granted prosecutors' request to keep her in custody.

Veronica Reyes, 41, is charged with criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, which authorities say occurred multiple times earlier this year at a home she shares with her children.

Assistant Lake County State’s Attorney Eduardo Zermeno described the home as “the party house” and the defendant as “a parent's worst nightmare.” He said Reyes offered alcohol and asked teenage visitors for drugs.

Reyes' defense attorney said the charges stem from “lies spread by a teenage boy” who he alleged was angry at the defendant.

“It's something that blew up and got out of hand,” the defense lawyer said.

But Zermeno told the court that Reyes described the teenage boy as her “soulmate.”

Reyes is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 14.

bvitello@dailyherald.com