Man Charged in Attempted Rape of Teen After Offering Ride Home: Illinois Case
An Illinois man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to rape a teenage girl whom he offered a ride home from a friend’s house. Fermin Ortiz, a 20-year-old resident of Posen, Illinois, has been charged with attempted rape, sexual battery, and criminal confinement. However, he has not been arrested yet and is currently being held on a $5,000 cash bond.
The investigation by the Schererville Police began on December 22, when the 17-year-old victim and her mother went to the police station to report the incident. According to the victim’s statement, Ortiz offered her a ride home from a friend’s house in Illinois for $15. However, when they reached Schererville, he began kissing her on Main Street, despite her protests.
Feeling intimidated and afraid of being kicked out of the car, the victim reluctantly kissed Ortiz a few times. This only encouraged him further, as he started groping her. The victim explicitly asked him to stop, but instead, he pulled over at a Walgreens on U.S. 41, exposed himself, and attempted to force her to perform oral sex on him.
The terrified girl pleaded with Ortiz to stop and even offered him more money for the ride. He then drove a little further to a Panera Bread location, where he again tried to force her head down. Thankfully, the victim managed to call a friend, who told Ortiz to cease his actions. He eventually drove her home.
The victim revealed that she knew Ortiz through their mutual friend for about a year. Disturbingly, Ortiz reached out to her on Instagram on March 14, expressing his concern and apologizing for what had happened. However, the victim received a message on April 5 from a different Instagram account.
Given the sensitivity and seriousness of the charges, it is essential to allow the legal process to unfold. The allegations against Ortiz are disturbing, and they highlight the importance of personal safety and awareness, particularly when accepting rides from individuals one may not know well.
As this case moves forward, authorities will continue to gather evidence and testimonies to support the charges brought against Fermin Ortiz. It serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves and our loved ones.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available records and should not be considered as a final verdict or a reflection of the defendant’s guilt.
