Troy Township Democratic official accused of having sex with teen
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JOLIET, Ill. (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
A Troy Township Democratic committeewoman has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a teenage boy.
Chief Mike Trafton said the arrest of Margarita Hernandez, 31, is related to "an ongoing federal investigation into the production of child pornography."
After relatives of the then-15-year-old victim contacted Chicago police, the boy "came forward and admitted having sex with her in Joliet," Cmdr. Brian Benton said.
The incident reportedly occurred July 10 after Hernandez met the victim through his friendship with some of her relatives. The two had oral sex and sexual intercourse at Hernandez's home, 6901 Monmouth Drive.
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.
"We don't know whether or not (the sexual encounter between Hernandez and the victim) was recorded," Trafton said.
Detective Tizoc Landeros coordinated Joliet's investigation, which took several weeks because of interviews that had to be arranged, including a victim-sensitive interview with the juvenile.
"It appears there was only a single encounter in this case, but this investigation is still open because there are indications of other potential victims," Landeros said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Landeros at 815-724-3020 or anonymously call CrimeStoppers at 800-323-6734.
Hernandez was arrested on a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and booked into the county jail around 5:30 p.m. Thursday. She reportedly declined to speak with investigators and is being held on a $250,000 bond.
Troy Township Democratic Chairman Jeffrey Boetto said Friday he had been unaware of Hernandez's arrest until contacted by The Herald-News and had no comment on the allegations.
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