A 61-year-old Lombard man faces a felony charge after allegedly touching a young girl in the lazy river at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park in Woodridge on Friday, July 10.
Ricky Karlic, of the 500 block of Kelly Court, appeared in First Appearance Court on Saturday, July 11, charged with one count of aggravated battery in a public place, a Class 3 felony. DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Woodridge Police Chief Tom Stefanson announced the charge jointly.
According to the criminal complaint, Karlic allegedly touched the victim's buttocks with his hand while in the lazy river at approximately 5:32 p.m. The victim is a minor.
Woodridge officers and detectives located Karlic as he was trying to leave the area of the park, Chief Stefanson said. He credited Park District staff for alerting police quickly.
"While this incident is concerning, Woodridge and its parks are safe areas for all to enjoy," Stefanson said. "I appreciate the alert from Park District staff and the quick response of Woodridge police officers and detectives in locating the suspect who was trying to leave the area."
Because the charge does not qualify for pretrial detention under Illinois law, Karlic was released with conditions. He is barred from any contact with the victim or any minors under 18 and cannot enter or remain on the property of Cypress Cove, located at 8301 S. Janes Ave.
Under Illinois statute (720 ILCS 5/12-3.05), battery is elevated from a misdemeanor to a Class 3 felony when it occurs in a public place of amusement. The charge carries a potential sentence of two to five years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
State's Attorney Berlin called the allegation "extremely disturbing" and thanked the Woodridge Police Department and Assistant State's Attorneys Daniel Orescanin and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing the charge.
Park open, safety measures cited
The Woodridge Park District posted a statement Saturday saying Cypress Cove remains open and is operating under "enhanced vigilance." The park district said it is committed to maintaining a safe environment and is grateful for law enforcement's swift response.
Karlic has not entered a plea. No information about defense counsel was available in court records. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, August 3, before Judge Ann Celine O'Hallaren Walsh in DuPage County.
The complaint contains only charges and is not proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
