Man Rubbing Pregnant Women In Joliet Faces 2 Felonies: Prosecutors

JOLIET, IL — John Claude Novak, a 27-year-old Crest Hill man who "experiences pleasure," according to Will County prosecutors, by touching the stomach of pregnant women, now faces felony charges, according to the criminal complaint.

Joliet police arrested Novak in November in connection with an incident inside the Walmart on Jefferson Street on Oct. 26. Last week, the Will County State's Attorney's Office filed three formal charges against Novak: two felony counts of aggravated battery and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

Novak also has a 2015 criminal conviction after touching a pregnant woman against her will while she was out shopping at the Kohl's store on Route 59 in Joliet.

According to Novak's latest charges in Joliet, he made physical contact at the Walmart with a woman "in that said defendant kneeled down in front of (the woman) who was visibly pregnant and rubbed her belly with both of his hands and he moaned as if experiencing pleasure."

On June 25, 2015, Novak pleaded guilty to the crime of disorderly conduct and was given two years of court supervision by Will County Judge Art Smigielski, plus $425 in court fines. The judge ordered Novak, then 20, to have no future contact with the victim. Novak was also ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation and comply with its recommendations.

At last week's hearing, Novak entered a not-guilty plea to his three latest charges. He was previously released from custody by Joliet police on an I-bond. Novak's preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 12 in Courtroom 405 of Will County Judge Dave Carlson.

Previous Joliet Patch coverage:

Man Keeps Touching Pregnant Women's Bellies In Joliet: Victim

Pregnant Woman's Belly Touched By Stranger At Joliet Walmart: JPD