Jorge Hernandez-Chirinos, 45, was convicted of two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, a class X felony, and three counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a class 2 felony. Hernandez-Chirinos was first charged in July 2022, after the Waukegan Police Department, along with the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center, responded to and investigated a report of a sexual assault involving a child.  

“Our outstanding investigators, victim advocates, and prosecutors strive daily to protect children. We appreciate the jury’s work last week on a heart-wrenching case. Without our strong partnership with law enforcement and the bravery of this survivor, this offender may have harmed others. We will continue to ensure that the survivor receives the support she needs,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.  

The jury trial began on Tuesday, February 21, 2022, lasting four days. Jurors heard from multiple witnesses, including the victim’s relatives and friends. They explained how the victim’s testimony of the sexual assault that took place from the time she was eight years old until she was 12 years old, aligned with statements she had previously made to them and to officers during the investigation.  

The defense brought no witnesses, and the defendant made the choice not to testify.  

Hernandez-Chirinos was held on a $1,000,000 bond in the Lake County Jail from the time of his arrest until the trial. After the verdict, Judge George Strickland revoked the ability to post bond. A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered by the court and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 6, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.   

Each Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child count carries a sentencing range of 6 to 60 and the charge of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse carries a sentencing range of 3 to 7 years. Because he was convicted of all counts, Hernandez-Chirinos is facing 15 to 127 years in the Department of Corrections.