A 21-Year-Old Man Detained for Sexually Assaulting a 16-Year-Old Girl He Met on Snapchat
A recent incident in Cook County has left a 16-year-old girl traumatized after being sexually assaulted by a 21-year-old man she met on Snapchat. The man, identified as Jonathan Flores, has been ordered to be detained by a judge following the disturbing encounter.
According to Assistant State’s Attorney Bridget O’Brien, Flores initially contacted the girl on June 17, misrepresenting his age to her. Despite knowing that she was only 16 years old, Flores claimed to be 19 and showed no concern about their age difference. He arranged to meet the girl near her Garfield Ridge home the following morning and proceeded to engage in multiple sexual acts with her in his car, which he recorded on his phone.
Not only did Flores film the assault, but he also sent the video to the victim via Snapchat. The police were able to recover the video from the girl’s tablet, leading to Flores’ arrest.
Following the assault, the victim confided in her sister, leading to a police investigation and Flores’ subsequent arrest when he returned to the girl’s home. Flores admitted to having sexual relations with the girl, knowing her age, and recording the encounter.
During the detention hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney O’Brien argued that Flores posed a significant threat as a predator. Despite the defense’s claims that Flores was a high school graduate with no criminal history, Judge Susana Ortiz sided with the prosecution, citing the random and predatory nature of the assault.
As a result, Ortiz issued a civil no-contact order preventing Flores from contacting the victim or her mother and barred him from coming within 2,500 feet of their home, school, or workplace. Flores is facing charges of child pornography and criminal sexual abuse.
This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from online interactions and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators.
Sourcing: This report is based on official court transcripts of Flores’ detention hearing, purchased through the generosity of CWBChicago readers.
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