Naperville, IL – A 17-year-old from Lisle has been charged as an adult after allegedly sexually assaulting a female acquaintance inside a Walgreens washroom in Naperville, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the incident happened around 3:40 p.m. on January 11 at the Walgreens located at 713 East Ogden Avenue. Naperville Police responded to a 911 call reporting a sexual assault in progress. Following an investigation, police allege the victim was attacked in a restroom after two teens entered the store.
According to prosecutors, the older teen, identified as James Patterson, allegedly pinned the victim against the wall and assaulted her while a 15-year-old accomplice allegedly recorded the assault on a cellphone. The pair fled the store, but police later arrested both suspects nearby and recovered the victim’s phone.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres commended the survivor for her courage in reporting the attack, calling the allegations “violent and dehumanizing.”
Patterson faces four counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, four counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and one count of Criminal Sexual Assault. The juvenile co-defendant faces similar charges and remains in custody.
Both defendants were denied pre-trial release. Patterson’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 2, 2026, before Judge Mia McPherson. The juvenile’s next hearing is set for January 27, 2026.
Officials emphasized that the charges are allegations and that both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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