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Accused Rapist Marc Winner Attacked in County Jail, Officials Say

 West Loop tanning salon owner Marc Winner, who is facing rape charges in two court cases, is also named in a business license discipline case.
West Loop tanning salon owner Marc Winner, who is facing rape charges in two court cases, is also named in a business license discipline case.
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dnainfo/Stephanie Lulay; Chicago Police Department

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — The tanning salon owner charged in three rape cases was attacked by a fellow inmate inside Cook County Jail, officials confirmed Thursday.

Marc Winner, 45, was cut on the head during a fight May 7, according to Cara Smith, chief policy officer for Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.

Winner was taken to Stroger Hospital for observation, a move Smith called "standard protocol." He didn't suffer any serious injuries and is now being kept in protective custody pending trial.

Inmate Michael Hughes, 27, has been charged with misdemeanor battery in the attack, according to a spokeswoman with the sheriff's office.

Winner is charged with raping three women over the last seven years. Each victim was either an employee or customer at Winner's West Loop tanning salon, Soleil, 1018 W. Madison St.

The business has been operating without a license since May 15, city officials said.

Though Winner has been charged in three cases, prosecutors believe Winner may have raped as many as five women between 2009 and 2015, according to court records.

Winner has been held at County Jail without bail since late April when Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr. during a bond hearing dubbed Winner "a danger."

A woman who claims Winner raped her in 2001 shared her story earlier this year. Winner was arrested for sexual assault in that case, but later convicted of battery.

"I am just so sorry that I couldn't stop him," Lesley Barton said. "I told everyone what he was going to do. I knew this was going to happen. I prayed it didn't."

He will next appear in court Friday.

Related: 

Accused Serial Rapist's Tanning Salon Should Be Shut Down, Alderman Says

Suspected Serial Rapist Marc Winner 'Anxious' For Trial, Attorney Says

Tanning Salon Owner Marc Winner Raped Me in 2001 But Went Free, Woman Says

West Loop Tanning Salon Owner Marc Winner Charged In 3rd Rape Case

Tanning Salon Owner Allegedly Raped 2nd Woman After Judge Tossed 2013 Case

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