WEST CHICAGO MAN FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OF TWO YOUNG GIRLS

Assaults Occurred Over Several Months

WHEATON – DuPage County State’s Attorney, Joseph E. Birkett, announced today that a jury has found Lorenzo Rogel, 44 (d.o.b. 08/10/63) of West Chicago, guilty of four counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, a Class X Felony.  The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before returning their verdict in front of Judge George Bakalis.

Today’s verdict stems from allegations that from between August 2004 and August 2005, Rogel sexually assaulted two girls, sisters who were ages five and seven at the time of the crime.  The incidents took place in the girls’ home while Rogel was supposed to be babysitting.    Rogel’s assaults on the girls were discovered when one of them told their mother, who immediately contacted authorities.  An investigation into the matter by the West Chicago Police Department and the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center revealed that the assaults had occurred approximately two to three times a week for several months. 

            “These two innocent little girls were living a nightmare,” remarked Birkett.  “This man, who was supposed to be watching over them and caring for them, was instead sexually assaulting them.  He betrayed their trust and he betrayed the trust of his family, all to satisfy his sexual desires.  This was an extremely emotional case and I would like to thank the West Chicago Police Department and the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center for their professionalism and efforts in putting Mr. Rogel behind bars where he belongs.  The mandatory life sentence he faces will ensure that he will never molest another child.”

            Rogel’s next court date is scheduled for September 5, 2007. 

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