Hanover Park man accused of molesting young sisters

A Hanover Park man is held on $1 million bail on charges of sexually and physically abusing two young sisters for years, officials said.

Egan Barranca, 36, of the 1700 block of Evergreen Avenue, is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault -- a Class X felony -- aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of sexual exploitation of a child. He is currently held at the Cook County jail, assistant state's attorney Ruthe Howes said.

Barranca was arrested Monday without incident by Hanover Park police after the mother of the victims overheard the older daughter telling a friend about the abuse, Howes said.

The mother later hid under a bed, unbeknownst to Barranca, and overheard him telling the girl that she better take back what she said and that if she told anyone about the abuse, he would hurt her mother, Howes said. The mother then contacted Hanover Park police.

Barranca is accused of physically and sexually abusing the sisters, now 14 and 10 years old, including making one of the girls perform sex acts and forcing her to watch pornographic videos, Howes said.

Barranca started molesting the 14-year-old girl in 2000 and started molesting the younger sister in 2005, Howes said.

If the girl refused to comply, Barranca would threaten to hurt her mother, or he would punch her, hit her with a belt or push her against the wall, Howes said.

Judge Jill Marisie set bond at $1 million Tuesday, citing that Barranca used threats of force and also because it was unclear if he is in the country legally, Howes said.

Barranca did make a partial confession after being read his Miranda rights, Howes added.

Barranca's next court date is Oct. 26.