COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT — The star of a popular Spanish-language television show on WJYS-Channel 62 was charged with sexually assaulting a child Thursday.
Elpidio Contreras, 53, of the 2300 block of North Kostner Avenue, was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13, police said.
Contreras, who hosts "El Show De Juan Contreras," allegedly touched the genitals of an 11-year-old girl he was giving singing lessons to, prosecutors said during a Thursday bond hearing.
The lessons took place in his Hermosa neighborhood office twice a week, beginning last summer, according to court documents. The abuse continued until April 26 of this year, prosecutors said.
Aside from repeatedly molesting the girl, Contreras allegedly took topless photos of the child and had her pose in a bikini, according to prosecutors.
Contreras, who appears to go by the name Juan on television, has been in the entertainment industry for 20 years and his show features local musical talent.
WJYS officials did not immediately respond for comment.
Before setting his bond at $500,000, Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr. asked Contreras why he had a public defender.
"A man in your position, you can't afford a lawyer?" the judge asked.
"I give it all away," he replied through a translator. His lawyer said he gives away his money to people with health problems.
Said the judge: "Nobody gives all their money away."
