Crime & Safety
DuPage County, IL Cold Case: DNA Leads to Sex Assault Conviction
Wheaton, IL – A nearly 25 year old sexual assault case in suburban Chicago has ended in a guilty verdict after DNA evidence helped investigators identify a man accused of attacking a woman inside her
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-15T20:46:23.184Z
Wheaton, IL – A nearly 25 year old sexual assault case in suburban Chicago has ended in a guilty verdict after DNA evidence helped investigators identify a man accused of attacking a woman inside her West Chicago apartment in 2001.
According to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Judge Daniel Guerin found 54 year old Alberto Gomez, last believed to reside in Warrenville, guilty Wednesday, October 14, following a bench trial that concluded October 7.
Gomez was convicted of three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, four counts of criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
DNA Evidence Revives Decades Old Investigation
Prosecutors said the assault occurred November 25, 2001, around 4:22 a.m., when the victim was alone inside her West Chicago apartment.
Investigators determined that Gomez entered the residence, repeatedly struck the woman in her face, head and stomach, pushed her onto a bed and sexually assaulted her.
He then fled the apartment. The victim immediately contacted West Chicago police.
The case remained unresolved for years.
In 2022, Gomez's DNA was submitted to a national database following his detention for illegal reentry into the United States.
Later that year, investigators received notification that DNA recovered from the 2001 sexual assault evidence was consistent with Gomez's DNA.
Prosecutors Emphasize Justice After 25 Years
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin praised investigators for continuing to pursue the case.
"We will never give up on a case or a victim, no matter how much time has passed," Berlin said.
Gomez appeared in bond court July 17, 2023, when bond was set at $5 million with 10% required to post. He has remained in DuPage County Jail custody since then.
His next court appearance is scheduled for November 5, 2026, for post trial motions and return of the presentence report.