Former Coach Pleads Not Guilty To Sexual Assault, Seeks Lower Bond
CHICAGO (STMW) -- A former basketball coach at a South Side charter school pleaded not guilty Tuesday to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the South Chicago neighborhood, and also asked a judge to lower his $500,000 bond.
Kevin Jones, 33, of the 8300 block of South Kerfoot Avenue, pleaded not guilty to one count each of criminal sexual assault on a victim between 13 and 17, and attempted criminal sexual assault by force, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's office.
Jones was a varsity boys basketball coach at EPIC Academy Charter High School at 8255 S. Houston Ave. He is accused of sexually assaulting the girl inside a vehicle in the 8500 block of South Green Bay Avenue about 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, Chicago Police said.
According to court records, two female students at EPIC Academy accepted a ride home from Jones, who drove to an alley and parked the car, then got in the back seat with the victims and unzipped his pants, court records state.
He attempted to push the head of the girl identified as "Victim No. 2" into his lap and grabbed her shoulders and head, court records said. She resisted and Jones allegedly had the other girl, who was still in the backseat, perform oral sex on him.
"Victim No. 2" saw this, then called someone to pick her up and take her home, while Jones drove the other girl home, according to court records. The next day, "Victim No. 2" told a teacher and a friend what happened, and the other girl told her mother a few days later.
Jones was arrested on Jan. 17, and a school spokesman said his employment at the school ended on Jan. 18, but would not say whether he resigned or was fired.
On Jan. 25, a judge ordered Jones held on a $500,000 bond ($50,000 cash) and told him not to have contact with the victims, their family members, or anyone under 18.
On Tuesday, Jones' attorney asked Judge Stanley Sacks to lower that amount. The judge set a March 19 hearing to rule on the request.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
