Elgin man accused of beating pregnant woman
A 30-year-old Elgin man was being held on $80,000 bond on charges he choked a pregnant woman, spit in her face and tried to keep her from reporting his actions to police.
Reymito Molina of the 300 block of South Liberty Street, was charged with aggravated domestic battery for strangulation, aggravated battery to a pregnant woman, aggravated battery for strangulation and unlawful interference with the reporting of domestic violence.
Police said that on Tuesday morning, Molina and the 18-year-old woman got into an argument inside his Elgin home in the 300 block of Liberty Street.
During the course of the argument, Molina hit the woman several times in the face and body, threw her on the ground and choked her, spit on her, put his hands in her mouth and stretched it, then kept her from calling 911, according to police and in bond call proceedings.
Molina denied that he had anything to do with it.
"First of all, I didn't attack anybody," he said during his Tuesday morning bond hearing.
The woman called 911 after Molina left the house and she was treated at Sherman Hospital, Deputy Police Chief Cecil Smith said.
Police arrested Molina near the house, Smith said.
Upon reviewing Molina's criminal history, which includes resisting a police officer, a DUI, a violation of an order of protection and obstructing justice, Kane County Judge Bruce Lester remarked that many of the cases against him had been dropped.
"I've had a lawyer prove my innocence; that's the way I put it," Molina explained.
Lester said, "Well here's the way I put it. Your bond is set at $80,000."
But Molina thought that was too high.
"That is just outrageous," Molina said, adding that he has a job and a family to tend to.
Lester was not moved.
"The allegations in this matter are outrageous," the judge said. "You jeopardized the life of a pregnant person. This is the bond. You do have a hot head and a propensity for violence."
Molina's next court date will be April 14 at the Kane County Judicial Center.
If found guilty of the most serious charge, Molina could spend between three and seven years in prison.