LOMBARD

Currently being held on $2 million bond

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that twenty year-old Shreya Lal, of 123 Regency Drive, Lombard, has been charged with one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, three counts of Criminal Sexual Assault, one count of Intimidation, one count of Unlawful Interference With the Reporting of Domestic Violence and one count of Unlawful Violation of an Order of Protection.  Lal appeared in bond court this morning where Judge Peter Ostling set his bond at $2 million with 10% to apply. 

            It is alleged that on June 15, 2009, Lal sexually assaulted his victim at his residence after convincing her to come to the home.  It is further alleged that Lal took his victim’s cellular phone from her and threatened her with physical harm if she reported the incident to the police.  The alleged assault took place in violation of an order of protection obtained by the victim against Lal issued by the DuPage County Circuit Court on May 15, 2009.

“Often times, sexual abuse cases go unreported and offenders cannot be brought to justice because of physical threats made to the victim,” remarked Birkett.  “Despite the threats of physical harm against her, allegedly made by Mr. Lal, the victim in this case demonstrated a tremendous amount of courage in coming forward. I would like to thank her for having the strength for bringing this matter to our attention.”   

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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