Lemont Man Charged After Years of Sexually Abusing Child: Cops

LEMONT, IL — A Lemont man is accused of sexually assaulting a young girl in the early 2000s, beginning when the child was approximately 7 years old. Anthony Azzara, 34, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of predatory criminal sexual assault. The Lemont Police Department’s investigation began in 2019.

The victim, who is now 25 and living out of state, woke up find Azzara performing a sexual act on her as she slept, the prosecutor said. According to the charges, Azzara sexually assaulted the child 15 to 20 times between 2000 and 2005. Azzara is also accused of forcing the girl into performing on sexual acts on him.

The prosecutor said the abuse picked up again from 2006 to 2009, when the girl was between 13 and 15. She began telling witnesses of the abuse in 2007 and 2009, of Azzara touching her inappropriately.

Since the investigation began, the prosecutor said several other women have come forward with stories of similar encounters with Azzara when they were children, corroborating the now-adult woman’s statements to police. More charges may be forthcoming against Azzara.

Azzara has no criminal history. His attorney told the judge that his Azzara is the “furthest thing from a flight risk.

“He was notified in July,” the attorney said. “He was in custody twice without being charged.

Azzara’s attorney said he is a valued employee at the restaurant and bowling alley where he works. The attorney said Azzara has lived off and on in Illinois for the past decade. Most of the accusations from minors didn’t happen in Illinois.

“The numerous acts are troubling,” the judge said.

Bail was set $50,000. Should Azzara bond out, he needs to check in weekly with pre-trial monitoring while his case is pending. Azzara is prohibited from contacting his accuser and being around children under 18.

Azzara faces a minimum sentence of six years if convicted. He’s due back in court March 11 in Bridgeview.