Bond lowered for 85-year-old Vernon Hills man accused of sexual assault

Bail was lowered a second time Friday for an 85-year-old Vernon Hills man accused of abusing an underage girl nearly a decade ago.

Jacob Hagemann, of the 300 block of Greenbriar Lane, can be released if he posts 10 percent of his $250,000 bail. His bail initially was $750,000.

Defense attorney Daniel Zeit argued that Hagemann was not a flight risk, has no criminal history, and has lived in Vernon Hills for 55 years without ever being accused of a crime.

“He’s an old man who wants to clear his name before he dies,” Zeit told Lake County Judge James Booras in court Friday.

Hagemann was charged with four counts of predatory criminal sexual abuse and 17 counts of aggravated sexual assault for molesting a kindergarten-aged girl more than a decade ago, authorities said. The victim came forward after she turned 18, authorities said, and Hagemann was charged after being questioned by Vernon Hills police on Oct. 16.

Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Tim Niehus argued that bail was already lowered from $750,000 to $400,000 for Hageman during an earlier hearing, and that the serious nature of the charges justifies a high bond.

Prior to lowering Hagemann’s bail, Booras said the amount must be enough to protect the public, but also must not be oppressive to the suspect.

Should Hagemann post bond, he will be on 24-hour curfew, not allowed to leave the house except for court appearances or meet with attorneys, and not allowed to have contact with the public or with the victim, Booras said.

Hagemann is due back in court on Dec. 17.