Man pleads not guilty to 251 sex assault charges

A Vernon Hills man accused of molesting nine young boys over a four-year period pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County circuit court.

Michael Rebecca, 50, is charged with a total of 251 counts of predatory sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Circuit Judge James Booras told Rebecca he faces a mandatory life prison sentence if convicted of predatory sexual assault of a child involving two or more victims.

Assistant State's Attorney Steven Scheller said Rebecca sexually assaulted the victims hundreds of times at his home at 710 Court of Birch, Apt. 1.

Scheller said the victims would spend weekends and longer periods with Rebecca after Rebecca had gained the trust of their parents.

Rebecca organized a sex club for the victims, Scheller said, and rewarded them with electronic gifts and money.

The victims, all of whom were 11 to 13 years old when they first met Rebecca, lived in Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, Elk Grove Village and Twin Lakes, Wis.

Rebecca faces 36 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, 119 counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and 96 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Police say they have a videotaped confession from Rebecca.

Booras scheduled a trial for April 1. He ordered Rebecca, who is held on $2.5 million bond, to appear in court Jan. 17.