Two teens are charged with sexually assaulting a female acquaintance in the restroom of a Walgreens store in Naperville, with one of them allegedly videotaping the incident, officials said.
James Patterson, 17, and a 15-year-old juvenile, both of Lisle, are accused of going into the restroom at the 713 E. Ogden Ave. store about 3:05 p.m. Sunday after the victim had previously entered, according to a news release from the Naperville Police Department and the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.
Patterson allegedly pinned the victim to the wall of a stall and pulled down her pants but she told him to stop and was able to pull her pants back up, the release said.
Police say Patterson then pinned her against a wall, pulled down her pants again and struck her, causing her to fall to the floor, according to the release. He then repeatedly punched her before sexually assaulting her, the release said.
The 15-year-old is accused of video-recording the rape before sexually assaulting the victim himself, the release said.
Following the attack, the victim alerted store employees and the defendants fled on foot. They were taken into custody by police a short time later, with Patterson allegedly being found in possession of the victim’s cell phone, the release said.
Patterson, charged as an adult because of the nature of the case, faces four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, a class X felony, and one count of robbery, a class 2 felony. He will be held in the DuPage County jail pending the outcome of his trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 2.
The younger teen was charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, four counts of child sexual abuse material and one count of criminal sexual assault, all felonies. He is being held in the county’s juvenile detention center until his next court hearing on Jan. 27.
“Our hearts remain with the survivor of this horrific crime,” Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said in the release. “Sexual assault is a violent and dehumanizing act, and this department has zero tolerance for such behavior. I am disgusted by what occurred, and we will continue to support the victim with compassion and respect as the case moves forward.”
State’s Attorney Robert Berlin concurred, saying in the release, “The physical and emotional pain allegedly inflicted on this young woman is unimaginable and it is my sincerest hope that she and her family receive the care they need to help them through this difficult time. I commend the survivor in this matter for her courage and strength in bringing this matter to our attention.”