Prospect Hts. police charge man with sex abuse

Sex abuse charge: Prospect Heights police charged a 40-year-old Palatine man with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse for crimes they say occurred 10 years ago. The victim came forward in February claiming that Eduardo Torres-Franco, of the 1700 block of Rose St. in Palatine, molested her between Jan. 1, 1999, and December, 31, 2001, said Assistant State's Attorney Ryan Whitney at Torres-Franco's bond hearing Friday in Rolling Meadows. The victim was about three years old at the time. The abuse occurred when Torres-Franco was baby-sitting the child, Whitney said. At the time, Torres-Franco had a relationship with the child's mother; however, the victim and defendant are not related. Prospect Heights police asked to interview Torres-Franco Thursday. During the interview, he admitted to molesting the victim five times, Whitney said. Judge Kay Hanlon set bond at $100,000 and imposed special conditions, including no contact with the victim and no contact with anyone under 18. If convicted, Torres-Franco faces 6 to 30 years in prison.