Lake Co. pair deny sexually abusing toddler

A man and a woman accused of molesting an infant over three years pleaded not guilty today in Lake County Circuit Court.

Joseph Summers, 41, and Molly Jensen, 33, are charged with multiple counts of predatory sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Christine Prusank said the two are accused of molesting a boy between July 1999 and March 2002.

Prusank said the boy was 18 months old at the time the abuse began.

The multiple attacks took place at Summer's residence at 1519 Hickory St., Round Lake Beach when he and Jensen were in a dating relationship, she Prusank said.

The normal three-year statute of limitations covering most crimes does not apply in this case because it involves the sexual abuse of a person under 18, she said.

Police were notified after the boy's father was told of the abuse in August, Prusank said, and the couple was arrested in mid-September.

Jensen, of 20631 W. Park Ave., Freemont Township, is free from custody after posting $50,000 in cash for bond.

Summers, who is also charged with indecent solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child, is held on $3 million bond.

Circuit Judge John Phillips ordered the couple to have no contact with each other or the victim while the case is pending. He set a trial date for Jan. 7.

Jensen is due to appear in court Nov. 19, and Summers next court date is Nov. 21.

Prusank said they both face mandatory prison sentences of six to 30 years if convicted.