Prosecutors: Rape suspect should have higher bail after contacting victim online
Prosecutors want a judge to increase bail for a Geneva man accused of raping a woman in February, saying Howard S. Flint has been contacting the victim online and the county's budget woes will discontinue GPS monitoring of him Dec. 1.
Flint, 55, is free on bond while facing numerous felony charges he sexually assaulted a woman at his home on the 200 block of Westhaven Court.
If convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault, he faces up to 30 years in prison with no chance for probation. Any term would be served at 85 percent of the sentence, and he would have to register as a sex offender.
Flint successfully argued to have his bail reduced from $500,000 to $150,000 earlier this year and is being monitored via GPS after posting $15,000 for his release from the Kane County jail, records show.
Prosecutors have filed a motion asking Judge David Kliment to modify or increase Flint's bond, arguing he has violated the conditions by contacting the victim.
Kane County Assistant State's Attorney Christine Bayer also noted a judge previously denied a request by Flint to be removed from GPS monitoring. The county's budget woes could result in Flint's being removed from GPS by Dec. 1.
“Defendant has been viewing (the victim's) LinkedIn social media account and has been sending her messages,” Bayer wrote in the court motion. “The victim is afraid the defendant will make physical contact with her if he is no longer on GPS.”
Attorneys are expected to argue the matter Nov. 30.