Woman accuses hotel security guard of rape, files civil suit

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) -- A 49-year-old Texas woman is suing a Holiday Inn after she says a security guard raped her in October 2013.

Karla Gress said she was raped while staying as a guest at the Holiday Inn Northshore Chicago-Skokie on October 2, 2013. She announced the civil suit against the hotel, hotel's owner, director of operations and security guard during a news conference on Monday morning.

"It's been 15 months and a lot has happened. But really, nothing has happened. That's why today I want to speak out," Gress said.

Gress said the night of October 2, 2013, she had dinner and drinks alone at the Bar Louie restaurant located in the hotel. She said her memories are vague after that and she knew something was wrong when she woke up the next morning.

"I was confused and scared. I felt like I had been in a car wreck. My body was sore and my brain was in a fog," she said.

Gress said she had flashbacks of the alleged rape. She accused the hotel security guard of spiking her drink and gaining access to her room.

She reported the rape and returned home to Texas. In the 15 months since the alleged attack, she said the Skokie police investigation has gone nowhere. She and her attorney said they hoped the civil case will bring about charges in the criminal case.

"We can't hold off any longer. Typically, in a situation like this, civil cases, ou can hold off for a while to determine what happens in a criminal case. We can't hold off any longer," Tara Devine, attorney, said.

After Monday's announcement, the Skokie Police Department said, through a statement, that DNA tests were taken from both the alleged victim and suspect. The results led to the arrest of a suspect on January 15, 2014, but he was released without charges.

"Our police department is committed to a thorough, timely investigation," Eric Swaback, Skokie Police Department, said.

The Cook County state's attorney's office says the investigation is ongoing.