Chicago Heights Man Indicted on Charges of Child Sexual Abuse

The indictment against a Chicago Heights man jailed on a $1 million bond for allegedly molesting a toddler was read in court Wednesday.

Armando Serafin, 34, of 140 W. Hickory St. appeared at the Markham courthouse. A translator informed him what was going on during the brief hearing.

Serafin has been in custody at the Cook County jail since Nov. 16. He allegedly molested a 3-year-old girl that his mother-in-law had been entrusted to babysit. The mother-in-law, whom Serafin lives with, has watched the child since she was a year old, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

Serafin faces one count each of predatory criminal sexual abuse and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Starting in July or August, the child Serafin allegedly abused would start crying when her mother brought her to the babysitter's house, according to the state's attorney's office.

The young girl's mother reportedly took her to a doctor when she later complained of stomach pain and the doctor found evidence of possible sexual abuse. The child then reportedly identified Serafin as her abuser and told what he had done to her.

When confronted by police, Serafin reportedly admitted to abusing the girl.

Serafin was scheduled to return to court for on Jan. 22 for his arraignment.

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