Friend of Dad's Accused of Sexually Abusing Girl

Daniel Jones, 59 | Cook County Sheriff

JUSTICE, IL -- A Justice man “vehemently denies” sexually abusing the daughter of a friend, the assistant public defender told the judge.

Daniel Jones, 41, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child. He is also charged with misdemeanor sexual exploitation of a child.

At the time of the alleged abuse, Jones lived across the street from the girl and was friends with her father. The girl was between the ages of 13 and 16; Jones was between 38 and 40.

During his visits with the father, Jones and the girl would occasionally find themselves alone in the house. Sometime between Jan. 1, 2013 and Aug. 31, 2015, Jones and the girl were sitting alone on the couch, the prosecutor said.

The girl alleges that Jones put his hand inside her pants and under her underwear. He withdrew his hand when she said no. The prosecutor said Jones also tried to pull down her pants but the girl was able to prevent the overture.

In February, the girl told a friend at school, who told a teacher. The girl also recounted her story to the school social worker, the prosecutor said.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Jones “vehemently denies” the accusation.

“The charges list a two-and-a-half year time period,” the assistant public defender said. “There is no physical evidence corroborating [the abuse]. The outcry is from several months ago.”

Jones is currently on probation for a felony drug charge. He was ordered held without bail for violation of probation.

Judge Felice set bail at $100,000. Should Jones bond out, he is not have contact with girl or her family, nor be alone unsupervised with children under 18.

Jones’ is due back in court April 29 for the violation of probation charge. His next court hearing for the sex charge is May 25 in Bridgeview.

This story has been updated.