A 55-year-old Cicero man is being held at Cook County Jail after being charged with sexually assaulting an 8-year-old relative who lives in Riverside, and police continue to investigate whether there may be additional victims.
John D. Amparan faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 30 years, if convicted. In addition, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Amparan with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony.
“There is still much work to be done on this case and additional charges may be forthcoming in the future,” said Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel in a press release.
Weitzel said detectives did 11 forensic interviews, collected medical records and talked to school personnel, neighbors, relatives and medical personnel during their investigation, which started Aug. 2, when the victim’s mother filed a complaint with local police.
Police took Amparan into custody on Aug. 31 at a Berwyn business after receiving a call that he was “lurking” in the vicinity of the victim’s home. Amparan stayed periodically at the family’s Riverside home but had moved from the residence prior to the complaint being lodged.
According to police, Amparan has a criminal history that includes arrests for theft, domestic violence and drug offenses. Police also believe Amparan may have victimized others who live out of state.
Local police are working with out-of-state police agencies as they continue their investigation.
Weitzel praised the victim’s family for their cooperation during the investigation.
“Their cooperation in this investigation played a vital role in bringing the offender into custody on what could only be described as serious criminal sexual assault and abuse charges,” Weitzel said, adding that Riverside police are working with the family to make sure they and the victim receive social services and follow-up care.
