Palatine Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting 2 Kids Held on $3M Bail

PALATINE, IL — A Palatine man accused of sexually assaulting two children years ago is being held on $3 million bail, the Daily Herald reports.

Fernando Garcia, 27, was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual assault. He could face up to 30 years in jail if convicted.

Garcia is accused of assaulting a then-9-year-old girl when she was in fourth grade in August of 2006, the report stated. The abuse continued until May 2008, and Garcia allegedly threatened to hurt the victim's sister if the victim said anything about the abuse, the report added. Garcia was 17 at the time the abuse began.

Garcia also is accused of sexually assaulting a then-6-year-old boy between October 2004 and May 2005, the report stated. The boy, who also claims Garcia showed him pornography, eventually told his parents and his girlfriends about the abuse, the report added.

Garcia recently traveled back to the United States from Mexico, days after the boy, who is now 17, reported the assault, the report stated. His next court date is Sept. 2.

More via the Daily Herald

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