COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT — Weeks after Elpidio "Juan" Contreras was accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl, the host of a popular Spanish-language television show is facing new allegations that he molested a second girl.
Contreras, host of the "El Show De Juan Contreras" on WJYS-Channel 62, was charged May 9 with predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13, police said.
Contreras made bond and was released from jail. On Friday, the 53-year-old man was back in court again, this time charge with aggravated sexual abuse of a second child.
Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Jacqueline Kwilos alleged that Contreras, a friend of the 8-year-old victim's family, invited the girl and a young family member to his home in the 2000 block of North Cicero Avenue in 2007.
While the family member was away doing a chore for Contreras, he pulled down the victim's pants and took a photo and fondled her, Kwilos said. He allegedly showed the girl the photo and gave her money.
Then in 2008, when the girl was 9, Contreras was teaching the girl to ride a bike when a family member saw him fondle her, Kwilos said.
In the first case Contreras allegedly touched the genitals of an 11-year-old girl he was giving singing lessons to, prosecutors said during a May 9 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 shirtless 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."
