May 24--Bail was set at $5 million Monday for a Joliet man accused of sexually assaulting two women along forest preserve trails in Will County -- one in September and the other on Saturday, authorities said.
Miguel Luna, 35, of the 1400 block of Winifred Street, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault using a weapon, criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, unlawful restraint and aggravated battery, authorities said. Luna, who is being represented by a public defender, pleaded not guilty.
Luna is accused of assaulting a woman who was jogging in September along the I Canal path, Will County Assistant State's Attorney John Connor said during Luna's bond hearing. He also allegedly assaulted a woman who had been jogging Saturday on a forest preserve path near Interstate 55 in Channahon Township, Connor said.
Luna faces a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted of both incidents, prosecutors said.
Connor said police arrested Luna after receiving information Saturday that he was at a local park in his van. Police pulled him over on a traffic stop, and during questioning, Luna allegedly confessed to the attacks and provided details only the attacker would know, Connor said. He also asked police to sell his belongings and give the proceeds to his victims, Connor said.
"He expressed gratitude that he was caught," Connor said.
Earlier in the day, prosecutors allege, Luna attacked a jogger at 8:30 a.m. Connor said Luna, who was wearing a bandanna over his face and surgical gloves on his hands, placed the woman in a chokehold and told her not to fight. The woman fought back and bit Luna's hand, prompting Luna to tighten his hold, and the woman began to black out, Connor said.
In the September attack, Luna allegedly grabbed a woman, took her to a clearing, tied her to a tree and raped her, Connor said. Luna told her he had a knife but would not hurt her if she cooperated, Connor said. The woman, whose clothes had been ripped off, ran for help after Luna left.
Further charges may be filed against Luna, prosecutors said. He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 14.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter.
