Arlington man charged with molesting 4-year-old

A 64-year-old Arlington Heights man was behind bars at the McHenry County jail Wednesday on charges he sexually molested a 4-year-old girl on several occasions last month.

Walter F. Podolak, 706 Appletree Lane, faces four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse stemming from claims he inappropriately touched the girl between Sept. 7 and Sept. 25 in McHenry.

He faces a fifth count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in Cook County for allegations involving the same girl.

Police arrested Podolak in Arlington Heights Tuesday after a joint investigation by Arlington Heights and McHenry police. The investigation began when the girl disclosed the claims to an adult, who then contacted police, McHenry police Detective Sgt. Daniel Kreassig said.

Podolak appeared in McHenry County court Wednesday morning and requested a public defender, stating he is retired and unable to afford a private attorney. His request was denied.

He remained in custody at the county jail late Wednesday, unable to post 10 percent of a $75,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court Nov. 5. The charges against him as Class 2 felonies punishable by three to seven years in prison.