Elgin nursing home rape suspect fit to stand trial

A 22-year-old Elgin man accused of raping an elderly woman at a nursing home has been found mentally fit to stand trial.

Christopher Shelton is being held in the Kane County jail on five counts of criminal sexual assault and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault in connection with the Jan. 17 attack.

On Wednesday, Public Defender David Kliment said a doctor has evaluated Shelton and deemed him capable of participating in court proceedings.

Kliment said he "didn't have any issues" based on Shelton's demeanor, but sought a mental fitness evaluation because his client is on psychotropic medication.

Shelton was arrested after he was found hiding in the bathroom of a 69-year-old nursing patient who was assaulted at Maplewood Care, 50 N. Jane Drive, Elgin, where he also was a resident, police said.

The most serious charge against Shelton is a Class X felony with a standard sentencing range of six to 30 years in prison without the possibility of probation. He has not yet entered a plea.

Assistant State's Attorney Scott Schwertly said the case remains in the discovery stage, with prosecutors awaiting the results of a DNA test.

Shelton returns to court Sept. 9.