CTA sex assault suspect arrested, charged

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police arrested an Oak Lawn man in connection with a series of sexual assaults on the CTA.

Michael Robinson, 31, is accused of sexually abusing female passengers on Chicago Transit Authority trains between January 2012 and May 2014. Robinson alleged exposed himself and performed inappropriate sexual acts in front of female riders.

Chicago police say Robinson was held by CTA security on October 14 after officials recognized him from CTA flyers. Detectives identified him through CODIS and photo lineups, police said.

Robinson is charged with four counts of felony aggravated criminal sex abuse, two counts of aggravated battery/public place, two counts of felony aggravated battery/transit, two counts of felony unlawful restraint and one count of felony attempted robbery.

He is expected in court on Thursday.

Robinson's arrest comes as the CTA begins working on a sexual assault awareness campaign.