West Chicago man gets 18 years for sexually assaulting relative

WHEATON -- A west suburban man was sentenced Monday to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a young relative at knifepoint in 2012.

Juan Hernandez, 18, of West Chicago was sentenced Monday in by Judge Blanche Hill Fawell after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault with a dangerous weapon, according to a statement from the DuPage County State's Attorney's office.

On Dec. 26, 2012, Hernandez held a female relative-described as a minor-at knifepoint and forced her into a bedroom of the home they both lived in, and sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said. Her family contacted authorities after she told her mother what happened.

The DuPage County Children's Center and West Chicago police investigated, and Hernandez was arrested about two weeks later on Jan. 11, 2013, prosecutors said.

"This is a very disturbing case and it is my sincerest hope that Hernandez's young victim will be able to fully recover from the emotional scars he has inflicted upon her," State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the statement.

"She has shown tremendous courage in coming forward to confront the man who did this to her and for that I commend her."

Hernandez, of the 400 block of Church Street in West Chicago, must serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life, the statement said.

Source: Sun-Times Media Wire - Copyright Chicago Sun-Times 2014.)