Two teenagers from Lisle are facing grave charges following an incident that allegedly took place in a Naperville Walgreens restroom. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced the charges against 17-year-old James Patterson and a 15-year-old juvenile, as detailed in a press release from the DuPage County Government. On January 11, Patterson was accused of assaulting a female acquaintance, with the alleged incident being recorded by the younger assailant, who also assaulted the victim. Patterson faces adult charges, including four counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, while his co-defendant is charged in Juvenile Court.
During the reported attack, the assailants allegedly overpowered the victim in a stall before abandoning the scene on foot. A prompt response to a 911 call led to their apprehension close by. Patterson, who had the victim’s cell phone upon arrest, has his next court appearance scheduled for February 2. The fifteen-year-old, who faces charges of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault and one count of Criminal Sexual Assault, will see the inside of a courtroom on January 27, 2026. As the DuPage County Government states, "The charges filed against Mr. Patterson and his co-defendant are extremely serious," reflecting the magnitude of the alleged crimes.
State’s Attorney Berlin emphasized the brutal nature of the attack and the victim's suffering. "It is alleged that Mr. Patterson and his co-defendant, repeatedly beat and violated the victim in the worst possible way. The physical and emotional pain allegedly inflicted on this young woman is unimaginable," he said, praising the survivor's bravery in alerting authorities. Members of the community have been reminded that these allegations are not proof of guilt and that the defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which the government bears a burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
