REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE OF 13 YEAR-OLD GIRL

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that three counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse have been filed against registered sex offender Marcus M. Tyms, 23 (d.o.b. 5/27/1984), of 6606 Vine Street, Union, Il., alleging sexual conduct with a thirteen year-old female whom he met over the Internet.

It is alleged that in June, 2007 Tyms first met his victim over an Internet chat room and that for several months afterwards built an intimate relationship with her.  At some point in time, it is alleged that Tyms and his victim exchanged cell phone numbers and began to talk on the phone more often.  On September 24, 2007, it is further alleged that Tyms called his victim and arranged to meet her in a park in Carol Stream that evening.  At approximately 11:30 p.m. that evening, Tyms allegedly met his victim at the park and sexually assaulted her.  A Carol Stream police officer patrolling the park noticed the couple who allegedly fled the scene upon being discovered.  Tyms was found a short time later in his car and taken into custody.

“While the Internet can be a very useful instrument, it can also be a very dangerous place,” commented Birkett.  “Sexual predators prowl the Internet searching for their next victim.  They befriend them, earn their trust and then betray that trust all to satisfy their own sexual desires.  It is up to us, as parents of an increasingly computer-literate youth, to be aware of what our children are doing on the Internet and with whom they are communicating, just as we do in other aspects of their lives.”

Tyms appeared in Bond Court earlier this week where his bail was set at $500,000 with ten percent to apply.  His next court date is scheduled for October 22 at 1:30 p.m. in front of Judge George Bakalis.    

Birkett went on to comment on the apprehension of Mr. Tyms saying, “I would like to thank the Carol Stream Police Department, particularly Officer Barry Schwartz, for their quick apprehension of the defendant.  If not for their fine police work, this crime may never have been reported.”

Members of the public are reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.  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.

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