Man faces molestation charges

A Mount Prospect man could spend the rest of his life in prison if found guilty of charges filed over the weekend alleging he repeatedly molested a minor over a period dating back to early 2000.

Gillis L. Martin, 40, 718 Shabonee Trail, was arrested by Woodstock police Friday on 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and two counts of criminal sexual assault involving a boy now in his teens. Martin remained in the McHenry County jail Monday, unable to post a $50,000 bond.

Woodstock police began investigating Martin last month after the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services contacted the agency about abuse claims made against him, Deputy Police Chief Steve Bozer said.

Mount Prospect police also are investigating allegations Martin may have molested the same boy at his residence.

"There are no charges at this point, but we're following up on some leads," officer Bill Roscop said.

Court records indicate the incidents for which Martin is accused occurred between January 2000 and January 2005, though police said they are investigating allegations the abuse happened over a longer time range.

Martin, a construction worker, according to a court affidavit, could be sentenced to between six and 30 years in prison for each of the 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault. Under state law, those sentences could be imposed consecutively, meaning he would have to serve all of one term before beginning the next.