Child Sex Offender Charged

More Victims Suspected

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Birkett, along with the Addison Police Department, announced today that Carlos A. Cruz, dob:  7/26/69 of 505 Macie Street, Apartment 7, Addison, IL has been charged with five (5) counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault involving 5 different victims over a 5 month period.  The defendant is accused of befriending the boys who ranged in age from 8 to 12 years old, bringing them to his rented room and then sexually assaulting them.  The investigation began when a family member of one of the victims contacted the Addison Police Department, who then contacted the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center. Numerous interviews were conducted over the last few days.  The investigation is ongoing.  Based upon the information thus far provided, there is reason to believe that there are more potential victims.  Any parent or other responsible adult who is aware of any contact between the defendant and young children is urged to call the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center at (630) 407-2750.

“Most children who are abused initially show little or no signs of abuse, and parents, as well as other caregivers, may not have any idea that a child they are responsible for is a victim.  Based upon these charges, we believe that Carlos A. Cruz may be a serial child rapist.  The magnitude of his alleged crimes will only be known if we are able to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation.  This requires cooperation from the media and the public.  If your child was with this man, we urge you to please come forward,” said State’s Attorney Birkett.   Carlos A. Cruz is in custody and will be taken to DuPage County Jail today, appearing in Bond Court tomorrow morning. 

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault is a Class X Felony.  If convicted of two or more counts, Cruz faces a mandatory life sentence.

State’s Attorney Birkett thanks the DuPage County Children’s Center and Addison Police Department detectives for their thorough and professional investigation.  State’s Attorney Birkett also expressed his sincere appreciation to the child victims who came forward and revealed what happened to them.  They have displayed incredible courage. 

“We will do all in our power to make sure that Carlos A. Cruz never preys on another child,” said State’s Attorney Birkett.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilty.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.