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Fourth arrested, two more sought in Elgin kidnapping, torture

Elgin police have made another arrest — and are still seeking two more suspects — in connection to a Feb. 27 assault in which a 19-year-old was kidnapped, beaten and burned with lit cigarettes used to target a shoulder tattoo that matched that of her ex-boyfriend.

A warrant has been issued for Luis Palomar, 18, of the 0-99 block of Clark Avenue, Lake in the Hills, who is the victim's ex-boyfriend, according to police and Kane County court records. His minor girlfriend is also being sought.

Elgin police Monday announced the arrest of Gino A. Moraca, 24, of the 300 block of Raymond Street, Elgin, Sunday night on felony charges of obstruction of justice and unlawful restraint.

Moraca's listed residence is where police said the victim was assaulted. Moraca's bail was set at $5,000 Monday, and he's next due in court April 13. He faces a penalty ranging from probation to up to three years in prison if convicted.

Palomar — along with three females taken into custody in the last two weeks — are charged with home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery with a caustic substance and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.

Police said the victim was found the morning of Feb. 27 at the Raymond Street address after a person called to report a female being held against her will.

The victim told police she invited Palomar to a tattoo party the night of Feb. 26 in Elgin and offered to pay for a new one for him. When he arrived, three suspects forced the victim into a car and then into an apartment, where she was forced to strip, then was beaten and burned throughout the night, then instructed to shower because she had bled on the carpet, police said.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Elgin Police Major Investigations Unit at (847) 289-2600. People also may provide anonymous tips by calling (847) 695-4195 or texting 847411 with “ELGINPD” in the beginning of the text along with a message.

Burning cigarettes used to torture kidnapped Elgin teen, records show

Tattoos focus of a night of beatings and cigarette burns inflicted on Elgin teen, court records show

Gino A. Moraca
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