A Venezuelan migrant, identified as a 27-year-old Elvis Hernandez-Pernalete, has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman on the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) campus. The incident occurred on March 16 when Hernandez-Pernalete allegedly followed the woman from the UIC-Halsted Blue Line Station around 8 p.m.
According to reports, he attempted to grab the woman from behind, stole her belongings, and sexually assaulted her. This was not an isolated incident as Hernandez-Pernalete is also accused of attacking a second woman after following her from a train station.
He faces multiple charges including criminal sexual abuse, aggravated battery and strangulation, robbery, and attempted robbery. In a separate incident on March 9, he was allegedly caught stealing merchandise from a T.J. Maxx store.
During a court hearing, Hernandez-Pernalete was denied pretrial release by a judge who noted his 'pattern of attacking victims from trains.' City Alderman Ray Lopez expressed concerns about individuals who are not thoroughly vetted and emphasized the importance of coordinating with the federal government to identify the backgrounds of migrant asylum seekers.
It is important to note that the victim in this case was not affiliated with UIC as confirmed by campus police. The authorities are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the community in light of these disturbing incidents.
