An 18-year-old Frankfort man was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and bodily harm after an five-month investigation led by Tinley Park police that involved a hospital in Ohio and the Credit Union One Amphitheater, according to a police statement Thursday.
The charges against Roman Basso constitute a Class X felony, which carries a prison sentence of 6 to 30 years, with no probation allowed.
Basso was taken into custody Jan. 6 in Frankfort and while in custody, made a confession, police said. He is scheduled to appear again at the Cook County courthouse in Bridgeview on Jan. 30.
Tinley Park police said the investigation began July 24 after hospital staff in Ohio notified Tinley Park police of a victim’s account.
That account was supported by surveillance footage provided by Live Nation, owner of the amphitheater, witness statements and a forensic interview, police said. Evidence was also collected with assistance from the Indian Hill Police Department in Ohio, police said.
Investigators confirmed Basso’s identity and learned he was enrolled at Arizona State University. Police said the univeristy police helped Tinley Park detectives locate Basso.
Police also said that Illinois Secretary of State police assisted in the investigations. Police said this assistance was instrumental in approving felony charges.
Basso’s attorney, Donald MacNeil, said Basso is a college student with no prior arrests, and is supported by his family and friends.
MacNeil said his investigation “has uncovered significant evidence which strongly contradicts the allegations being made,” which he said will be presented to the court at the appropriate time.
Basso was assigned a curfew as a condition of pre-trial release, requiring him to remain in his residence from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week. He was also barred from leaving the state and is prohibited from contacting the victim.
awright@chicagotribune.com
