Jose Rojas-Alcocer, 32, of Hanover Park, is being held without release after prosecutors say he sexually assaulted, beat and kidnapped his girlfriend over the course of roughly a month. A DuPage County judge ordered him to remain in custody while the case moves through county courts, and prosecutors say he is scheduled to appear in court on July 20.
Allegations and arrest
Hanover Park police responded to a 911 call on June 14 at a home in the 6200 block of Kit Carson Drive, where they found the victim with multiple cuts and bruises, authorities said. Investigators allege Rojas-Alcocer took the victim’s cellphone, confined her to a bedroom and installed cameras to monitor her, then subjected her to repeated physical and sexual abuse over about a month. According to prosecutors, the alleged assaults included cutting her with a large knife, striking her with a wrench, choking her and burning her with cigarettes.
Authorities also say he forced the victim to drown a cat and threatened to kill her if she tried to get away. U.S. Marshals arrested Rojas-Alcocer at a Motel 6 in Syracuse on June 17, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
Prosecutors react
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin called the alleged pattern of abuse “inconceivable,” saying prosecutors believe Rojas-Alcocer kept the survivor under 24-hour surveillance while repeatedly assaulting her, per FOX 32 Chicago. Berlin said the psychological and physical torment described in the charging documents ranks among the worst he has seen in his career.
Charges and possible penalties
Rojas-Alcocer faces counts including aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery, prosecutors say. He is due back in DuPage County court on July 20 and remains jailed pending further proceedings.
Under Illinois law, aggravated criminal sexual assault is codified at 720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 and can be prosecuted as a Class X felony with lengthy prison terms and enhanced penalties in certain circumstances, per the Illinois General Assembly.
What to watch
The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution and says it will continue to release information as court filings are entered. Court records and upcoming hearings this summer are expected to provide additional detail about the allegations and the evidence presented in the case.
