Elmhurst couple held on sex assault and bribery charges

A 47-year-old Elmhurst woman and her 51-year-old husband were both behind bars in DuPage County Wednesday morning, facing felony charges in connection with a sexual assault case.

Renee Kearley is charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Michael Kearley is charged with unlawful communication with a witness, harassment of a witness and bribery related to the same case.

Each is being held on $400,000 bond.

Assistant State's Attorney Lee Roupas said in bond court Wednesday that a witness caught Renee Kearley in a sexual act with a minor.

Roupas said Michael Kearley tried several times to persuade the witness not to testify in the case before a grand jury, including offering a bribe.

Michael Kearley is next due in court on Aug. 15. Renee Kearley will be in court on Aug. 16.