A Joliet man has been charged with several felonies, after Will County prosecutors say he sent a series of emails of a sexual nature to a Mokena boy and then traveled to meet the minor.
Paul Frank Hicks, 41, of the 700 block of North Raynor, was formally charged last week with indecent solicitation of a minor, traveling to meet a minor, grooming and possession of a controlled substance. He faces up to five years in prison if he is convicted.
Hicks was taken into custody Aug. 25, following an investigation by the Mokena Police Department and the Will County State’s Attorney’s High Technology Crimes Unit.
The investigation began after the child’s father discovered an email exchange between his son and the defendant. The two had connected via an advertisement that was posted on craigslist.
Charges allege that the defendant discussed sex with the boy and traveled to the boy’s house in Mokena to meet him for that purpose in the early-morning hours of July 7. The two met inside the defendant’s car, but the youth exited the vehicle without sexual contact having occurred. The charges also allege that the defendant knew through the email exchanges that the person he was going to meet was a child.
Investigators executed a search warrant on the defendant’s home, and took possession of his computer and other electronic devices. During the search, officers discovered a substance containing hydrocodone.
Hick’s bond was set at $200,000, with 10 percent necessary to secure his release while he is awaiting trial.
Lockport man gets 9 years for beating fiancé with brass knuckles
A Lockport man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for beating his fiancé while wearing brass knuckles, according to a press release from the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Robert Szymanski, 26, of the 1700 block of Hamilton, entered a blind plea of guilty to domestic battery-related charges on June 22. Associate Judge Edward Burmila handed down the nine-year sentence on Aug. 26.
Prosecutors said Szymanski became enraged at his fiancé after consuming alcohol and Xanax during the Jan. 16 incident. Szymanski allegedly threw the woman on the couch and began choking her with his hands, and then began punching her in the head and body while wearing brass knuckles.
At one point during the attack, the woman lost consciousness. Szymanski then looped his belt around her neck and began choking her with his belt after she awoke, according to the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.
She slipped out of the house and had a relative take her to the emergency room after he fell asleep. She reported the attack to Lockport police, and Szymanski was arrested.
The victim suffered a fractured hand and serious bruising about her neck, head and body.