DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that two teens, both from Lisle, have been charged with sexually assaulting a female acquaintance in the washroom of a Naperville Walgreens. Because of the nature of the allegations, the case against James Patterson, age 17, has been automatically transferred to adult court. The case against the juvenile, a fifteen-year-old male, is in Juvenile Court. Patterson appeared in First Appearance Court this afternoon, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, where Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to detain him pre-trial. The juvenile appeared at his detention hearing this morning where Judge Chantelle Porter granted the State’s motion to detain him until at least his next court appearance. Patterson is charged with four counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X Felony) and one count of Robbery (Class 2 Felony) while the juvenile is charged with three counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, four counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Class X Felony) and one count of Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1 Felony).
On January 11, 2026, at approximately 3:40 p.m., the Naperville Police Department responded to a 911 call at the Walgreens store located at 713 East Ogden Avenue, for a report of a sexual assault that had just occurred. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that on January 11, 2026, at approximately 3:07 p.m., the victim was in the washroom at the Walgreens when the defendants came in. It is further alleged that once in the washroom, Patterson attacked the victim, pinning her against a washroom stall wall, and pulled down her pants. It is alleged that the victim told him to stop and was able to pull her pants back up and leave the stall. It is alleged that Patterson then grabbed the victim and pinned her against a washroom wall and again pulled down her pants. It is further alleged that Patterson struck the victim and when she fell down, he repeatedly punched her before sexually assaulting her. It is further alleged that during the assault, the fifteen-year-old juvenile video-recorded the assault and sexually assaulted the victim as well. Following the assault, the victim alerted store employees to what had allegedly occurred and the defendants fled on foot. A short time later, police officers with the Naperville Police Department located both defendants nearby where they were both taken into custody. When officers took Patterson into custody, he was allegedly in possession of the victim’s cell phone.
“The charges filed against Mr. Patterson and his co-defendant are extremely serious. It is alleged that Mr. Patterson and his co-defendant, repeatedly beat and violated the victim in the worst possible way. The physical and emotional pain allegedly inflicted on this young woman is unimaginable and it is my sincerest hope that she and her family receive the care they need to help them through this difficult time. I commend the survivor in this matter for her courage and strength in bringing this matter to our attention. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their quick response to the 911 call which led to the apprehension of the defendants in this case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Lindt for her outstanding work the past few days as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Jaclyn McAndrew for their efforts in securing strong charges against these two defendants.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“Our hearts remain with the survivor of this horrific crime. Sexual assault is a violent and dehumanizing act, and this department has zero tolerance for such behavior. I am disgusted by what occurred, and we will continue to support the victim with compassion and respect as the case moves forward. I am grateful for the swift and dedicated work of our officers and detectives, which led to the prompt arrest of those responsible. Because of their efforts, these individuals are now in custody and will be held fully accountable. I also want to thank State’s Attorney Berlin and his office for their partnership in pursuing justice in this case.”
— Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres
Patterson’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 2, 2026, in front of Judge Mia McPherson. The fifteen-year-old’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 27, 2026, in front of Judge Porter.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
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