Prosecutors say a man sexually assaulted a child over a span of years beginning when she was five years old at a home in Waukegan, as well as at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee.
Armando Perez-Navarette, 61, of Waukegan, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, sexual exploitation of a child and exploitation to a child.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Sean Danehey said a juvenile female disclosed on October 10 to her mother about sexual abuse committed by Perez-Navarette.
The juvenile’s mother and father went to Perez-Navarette’s residence and confronted him, at which time the police were called.
Police interviewed Perez-Navarette and he admitted he made inappropriate contact with the child, Danehey said.
He said he touched the girl over her clothes and in another incident exposed himself before using his genitals to make contact with the girl, Danehey said.
Perez-Navarette said the abuse occurred on four separate occasions approximately seven years ago when the victim was 10 years old.
Danehey said the victim was interviewed and said the abuse actually began when she was as young as five years old.
Perez-Navarette is the father of one of the victim’s friends.
The victim detailed numerous incidents of sexual abuse and assault that occurred at Perez-Navarette’s home, including when she slept over, Danehey said.
During one occasion, Perez-Navarette’s wife was performing a “nightly blessing” where the victim and Perez-Navarette’s daughter independently went into the couple’s bedroom.
Danehey said Perez-Navarette’s wife performed the blessing on the victim and Perez-Navarette stood behind his wife while she faced the victim.
Perez-Navarette then exposed himself to the girl and touched himself unbeknownst to his wife, Danehey said.
Another incident occurred at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee when Perez-Navarette touched the girl while she was wearing a swimming suit in the water, Danehey said.
The victim disclosed the abuse to two friends when she was younger and one of them reported that Perez-Navarette had abused another child too.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Perez-Navarette pending trial, calling him a threat to the community.
Lake County Judge Michael Nerheim granted the petition following a detention hearing after finding no conditions of release could ensure the safety of the community.
Perez-Navarette is scheduled to appear in court again on December 10 for an arraignment hearing.