A night out at a packed Uptown concert ended in felony charges for a southwest suburban man, after a woman who met him at the Aragon Ballroom in April told investigators she woke up the next morning partially undressed in Palos Hills and later learned she had been sexually assaulted. Authorities have charged 36-year-old Timothy O'Connell of Palos Hills with three counts of criminal sexual assault. Investigators say phone location data and security video helped them trace the pair from the concert venue to a home in Palos Hills.
According to CBS Chicago, the woman, who lives outside Illinois, met O'Connell during a concert at the Aragon Ballroom on April 20. She accepted a drink and told authorities she could not remember the rest of the night. She later woke up partially undressed in the 11100 block of Spathis Drive in Palos Hills and sought medical care, where staff found evidence of sexual assault. Sheriff's detectives obtained a search warrant for O'Connell's phone and location records, and investigators say security video showed a vehicle dropping the two off at the Palos Hills address.
Where the night started
The Aragon Ballroom at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. in the Uptown neighborhood is a long-running concert hall that regularly hosts national tours and regional acts. The Aragon Ballroom lists its address and visitor information on its site. The venue sits about a block from the Lawrence Red Line stop and draws crowds from across the Chicago area. Venue operators typically do not comment on ongoing police investigations involving patrons.
What the charges mean
O'Connell faces three counts of criminal sexual assault, an Illinois offense that covers sexual penetration by force or when a victim is unable to consent. Under state law, as outlined by the Illinois General Assembly, criminal sexual assault is a felony that can carry significant prison time and requires sex offender registration if there is a conviction. The charges remain allegations, and O'Connell is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
Investigation and next steps
Police arrested O'Connell on Wednesday. He admitted to having sex with the woman, according to CBS Chicago. At his first court appearance, a judge ordered that he be placed on electronic monitoring and set his next court date for June 25. Investigators say data from phone and location records, along with security video, helped them build a timeline that prosecutors will review ahead of the upcoming hearing.
Where survivors can get help
Anyone affected by sexual violence can contact the national RAINN hotline for confidential support and connections to local resources. RAINN operates a 24/7 hotline and provides information and referrals through its website. Local advocacy groups and hospital-based forensic teams can also help survivors seeking medical exams, counseling, and legal guidance.
