Aurora Man Facing Mandatory Life Sentence For Child Sex Assault Still At Large

AURORA, IL — A 47-year-old Aurora man facing life in prison skipped his trial, which started last week, but was found guilty of eight counts of criminal sexual assault, officials said.

José Arellano, of the 500 block of Morton Avenue, was found guilty of four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault for sexually assaulting two victims under the age of 13 between September 2010 and May 2020, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

As a result of his conviction, the Aurora man faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections, officials said. Arellano must also register for life as a sexual offender in accordance with Illinois law.

Arellano was not only not present for his trial, but officials said his location is also still unknown since he posted a $30,000 bond on July 6, 2020. He was last seen Dec. 8, 2021, when he appeared remotely for a hearing, according to attorneys.

Judge Salvatore LoPiccolo issued an arrest warrant for the Aurora man after he failed to appear for his next hearing March 29, 2022. Arellano's next court appearance for Nov. 18 for motions and sentencing.

Anyone with information about Arellano's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact the Kane County Child Advocacy Center at 630-208-5160.

"These victims showed so much courage during this process, from disclosing the abuse to their mother, throughout the investigation and during their testimony on the witness stand," Kane County Assistant State’s Attorney Stacey Wittman said. "They were very brave given all they have been through. I am pleased to have been able to give them justice."