Zion man charged with molesting mentally disabled girl

Police have arrested a 43-year-old Zion man they say kidnapped and molested a mentally disabled girl he met while attending religious services in Palatine.

Amritpal M. Chohan, of the 16000 block of West Russell Road, was charged last Thursday with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and unlawful restraint. A Cook County judge set bond at $750,000.

Palatine police said Chohan admitted he encountered the juvenile on April 20, 2008, at the Sikh Religious Society temple, located at 1280 W. Winnetka St., Palatine.

Chohan allegedly lured the victim to his car and molested her at a nearby parking lot. He then drove her back to the temple, police said.

The incident was reported to police, but Chohan's identity and whereabouts were unknown until the victim saw him in September at another event at the temple. The girl's family contacted authorities and Chohan was brought in for questioning, police said.

Chohan is due back in court on Nov. 21.