Champaign teen accused of raping 15-year-old girl

URBANA — A Champaign teen has been criminally charged with sexually assaulting a girl in her home in January.

Jonathan Johnson, 17, who listed an address in the 1700 block of Clover Lane, was arraigned Tuesday on a single count of criminal sexual assault accusing him of raping a 15-year-old girl in her home in Champaign on Jan. 19.

Assistant State's Attorney Stephanie Weber said the victim and Johnson were introduced through a mutual acquaintance because the girl needed math tutoring. She and Johnson had exchanged text messages to arrange that.

On Jan. 19, Weber said, the girl was unlocking the door to go in her house after school when Johnson suddenly appeared behind her, surprising her. Weber said he grabbed the girl's arm, pushed her inside and overpowered her. Despite her protests, he forced her into her bedroom and pinned her to the bed by putting a knee in her back, then allegedly sexually assaulted her, Weber said.

The girl didn't report the incident to her parents for two days, but when she did, sought medical treatment. Hospital personnel collected evidence from her that was forwarded to the state crime lab. When the results came back, the state's attorney's office sought the warrant for Johnson on Friday.

Judge John Kennedy agreed to reduce Johnson's bond from the $50,000 set on the warrant to $25,000. Assistant Public Defender Lindsey Yanchus said he is a student at Centennial High School who lives with his mother.

Kennedy ordered Johnson to have no contact with the girl or her home. He also set Johnson's next court date for May 24.

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