Bond lowered for Joliet woman in teen sex case
By Janet Lundquist jlundquist@stmedianetwork.com October 10, 2012 12:50PM
Margarita Hernandez | Supplied photo
Updated: November 12, 2012 11:53AM
JOLIET — A Will County Circuit Court judge Wednesday agreed to reduce the bond for a Joliet woman accused of having sex with a teenage boy.
Margarita Hernandez, 31, was in the county jail Wednesday morning, held on a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Her bond was initially set at $250,000. On Wednesday her lawyers asked for a $5,000 bond. Judge Richard Schoenstedt agreed to lower the bond to $100,000.
The incident reportedly occurred July 10 after Hernandez met the then 15-year-old boy through his friendship with some of her relatives. The two had oral sex and sexual intercourse at Hernandez’s home, 6901 Monmouth Drive, police said.
According to reports, the FBI and Chicago police then used a warrant to search that residence, where Hernandez lives with her 76-year-old boyfriend, and seized evidence.
In court Wednesday morning, Hernandez’s attorneys argued that she is employed, she has family nearby and is not a flight risk. Hernandez has a history of charity work and hasn’t missed a day of work in 11 years, her lawyers said.
Hernandez also serves as a Troy Township Democratic committeewoman.
If she posts bond, Schoenstedt said, Hernandez is to have no contact with anyone younger than 18 and is not to participate in charity or volunteer work.
Hernandez is scheduled to appear in court again on Oct. 23.
