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Hampshire man charged in sexual abuse of St. Charles teen

A 22-year-old man was arrested Tuesday on charges he sexually abused a 16-year-old girl from St. Charles in January.

Nathan C. Lake, of the 44W0-99 block of Plank Road, Hampshire, is accused of felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim 13 to 17, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation, attempted child abduction, and traveling to meet a minor, according to court records and St. Charles police.

The most severe charge carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison if convicted, but probation also is an option.

St. Charles Police spokesman Paul McCurtain said in a news release Wednesday that authorities, along with the Kane County Child Advocacy Center, investigated for five months after the teen told police Jan. 28 that she was sexually assaulted a day earlier. Authorities determined the assault took place in unincorporated Hampshire and arrested Lake at his home Tuesday after a grand jury indicted Lake.

McCurtain said the two met through an acquaintance and began texting.

“He was 21 when the act occurred and she was 16. She actually sneaked out of her house without the consent or knowledge of her parents (Jan. 27),” said McCurtain, who did not comment on what happened after Lake picked up the teen.

Lake was being held at the Kane County jail on $100,000 bail, meaning he must post $10,000 to be released while his case is pending. His next court date was not available.

St. Charles Police are asking anyone with information about other potential victims to call Detective Chuck Pierce at (630) 443-3827.

“We just want to make sure there aren’t any other victims out there,” McCurtain said.

According to court records, Lake was arrested and charged with misdemeanor telephone harassment June 18 by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. He pleaded guilty to sending 40 text messages to a Maple Park female, was fined $350 and given a year of probation, which runs through July 2014.

Lake also was arrested on charges of misdemeanor domestic battery in April 2011. He was fined $830 and admitted to the domestic violence diversion program for first-time offenders, records show.

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