Crime & Safety
72-Year-Old Lake Zurich Man Admits to Stalking Palatine Waitress
The admission was part of a plea deal with prosecutors, and the man was sentenced to probation and home confinement.

PALATINE, IL — A Lake Zurich man was sentenced Thursday to two years probation and 90 days home confinement after admitting to stalking a waitress who worked at the Palatine restaurant the man's family owned, the Daily Herald reports.
The admission was part of a plea deal between prosecutors and Dimitrios Sarantopoulos, 72, who pleaded guilty to stalking and criminal damage to property, the report stated. Sarantopoulos also must pay $16,600 in fines and restitution, as well as not have any contact with the woman he stalked for four years, the report added.
According to prosecutors, Sarantopoulos began popping up at the woman's apartment complex in 2015 and leaving flowers, magazines and other items at her home, on her car and at the Palatine restaurant where she worked, the report stated. When the woman said no to going out for a drink, Sarantopoulos threatened to cut her throat, the report added
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Sarantopoulos continued to harass the woman, including being caught on camera damaging her car, the report stated. The tormenting did not let up even after the woman quit the restaurant, the report added.
During his initial bond hearing, Sarantopoulos' lawyer claimed his client suffered from dementia or other conditions, according to the report.
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