A judge denied pre-trial release for an Antioch man accused of sexually abusing a wheelchair-bound child, who was under the age of 13, during a family-friendly gathering, prosecutors said.
John G. Finch, 72, of Antioch, was charged with one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, a Class 2 felony.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Dino Katris said children and parents were invited over to Finch’s unincorporated Antioch residence for a dog’s birthday party on February 4.
One of the children, who was under 13 and is wheelchair-bound, reported she was inappropriately touched by Finch, who is not a family member of hers.
The victim and a second child were alone in a room eating ice cream when Finch entered with a beer in his hand, Katris said.
Katris said the two children reported that Finch told them they were “cute and sexy” and were going to “get all of the boys in school.”
Katris said Finch then rubbed the victim’s shoulders, slid his hand under her bra and inappropriately touched her.
The second child who was in the room witnessed and remembered Finch pulling down the child’s bra strap, Katris said.
Katris said messages between Finch and the child showed he complimented her and gave her gifts.
Finch’s attorney, Stephen Simonian, said his client has worked at the same company for over 40 years and is a grandfather of five.
Simonian, who called the case weak, said Finch has cooperated “1000%” with investigators since the investigation began by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Finch does not have a criminal history, the attorney added.
Prosecutors filed a petition to detain Finch pre-trial, arguing he is a threat to the safety of the victim and other children.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak granted the petition to hold Finch in the Lake County Jail pending trial.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 2.