88 YEAR-OLD ROSELLE MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT

WHEATON – DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and Roselle Police Chief James Kruger announced today that Chester Stabrowski, 88 (d.o.b. 12/11/1920), of 495 W. Maple, Roselle, has been charged with two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class X Felony.  Stabrowski appeared in Bond Court this morning where Judge Brian Diamond set his bond at $500,000 with 10% to apply.  In addition, Judge Diamond ordered that Stabrowski have no contact with children under the age of 18 and if he were to post bond, participate in the STOP (State’s Attorney’s Target Offenders Program) electronic monitoring program.  Stabrowski’s next court date is scheduled for May 19 at 1:30 p.m.

The charges stem from allegations that in the summer of 2007, Stabrowski invited two minor victims he had befriended to his residence for a pool party.  It is alleged that Stabrowski sexually assaulted them at his residence.  Through their investigation, authorities learned that Stabrowski volunteered as an usher during church services at St. Walters Church in Roselle and was a member of the local Knights of Columbus. 

  “What Mr. Sabrowoski is accused of, sexually assaulting two young boys, is appalling and will not be tolerated,” remarked Birkett.  “It is alleged that through his position as a church volunteer, the defendant gained the trust of these children only to betray that trust in the worst possible way.  I would like to thank the Roselle Police Department, the staff at the DuPage’s Center, staff of St. Walters Church and the Joliet Diocese for their assistance in this matter.”

“This incident should serve as a reminder to all parents to talk to their children,” remarked Chief Kruger.  “We appreciate the support of State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and his undying support to help us keep our children safe.”

Based upon the nature of these allegations, it is important that anyone with any information concerning Mr. Stabrowski is urged to call Acting Deputy Chief John Lawson at the Roselle Police Department at (630) 671-4044.

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendants’ 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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