In Illinois, two young boys are facing serious charges after allegedly assaulting a girl in a public restroom on Sunday, an incident they reportedly recorded.
According to the Chicago Tribune, James Patterson, 17, and a 15-year-old accomplice followed the victim into a restroom at a Walgreens in Naperville. Once inside, Patterson purportedly forced the girl against a stall, removed her pants, and proceeded with the assault.
Prosecutors from DuPage County stated that during the assault, Patterson also physically attacked the girl as she attempted to resist by pulling her pants back up and pleading for them to stop. The younger boy is accused of recording the attack on his phone before also engaging in the assault.
Following the attack, the suspects reportedly fled the scene, but the girl quickly informed store staff. Authorities soon captured the teens, with Patterson allegedly found holding the victim’s cellphone.
Patterson now faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault and robbery, whereas the younger boy is charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, child pornography, and criminal sexual assault.
Due to the severity of the charges, Patterson is being treated as an adult in the legal system, which is why his identity has been revealed. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old remains in a juvenile detention facility, indicating he might not be tried as an adult.
Patterson is due in court on February 2. The other teen has a court date scheduled for January 27.
