U of I Student Charged In Sex Assault In South Suburban Chicago

PALOS PARK, IL -- A University of Illinois student is accused of sexually assaulting a woman while she was unconscious during a graduation party in Chicago’s south suburbs. Alexander Rodak, 21, of Tinley Park appeared June 26 before Judge Peter Felice on a charge of criminal sexual assault in the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse in Cook County.

According to the charges, the woman and her friends were attending a graduation party on June 24 in the 10500 block of Kindling Court in Palos Park. During the party, Rodak allegedly mixed a drink for the woman, who lost consciousness after she drank it. She woke up to pain and found Rodak on top of her, penetrating her with his finger, the prosecutor said. The woman and Rodak are said to have met for the first time during the party. She reportedly identified him from a photo array.

Rodak’s attorney told Felice he’s been involved in the case “since jump street.” He said Rodak turned himself into Cook County Sheriff’s police and has been cooperating.

“I spoke to a witness on the scene who said the victim didn’t even realize there was any physical contact,” the attorney said.

He also added that Rodak had hickies on his neck.

“Hickies are hard to come by an unconscious person,” the attorney said.

“Hickies don’t always manifest themselves,” Felice said.

The attorney said his client is an exemplary student.

“He’s an A student at University of Illinois if he doesn’t get thrown out because of this. He graduated from Moraine Valley on the dean’s list and has his own lawn business,” Rodak’s attorney said. “I believe in this kid completely.”

The attorney asked for an I-bond.

“The court considers this a serious charge,” Felice said. “I don’t reward heinous acts.”

Bail was set at $100,000. The judge also ordered electronic monitoring and an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew if Rodak bonds out. Felice told Rodak he is to have no contact with the woman while the case is pending.

Rodak’s next court date is Aug. 2 in Bridgeview.