A judge has sentenced a 35-year-old man to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in Belmont Cragin in 2024.
David Vega fled the scene as Chicago police arrived but was arrested days later after detectives released surveillance video showing a shirtless man running from the area and asked the public to help identify him, according to prosecutors and court records.
Prosecutors said Vega approached the woman in the 3900 block of North Mango Avenue around 4:14 a.m. on May 28, 2024, and told her he had been watching and following her. Vega then placed his hand over the woman’s mouth and picked her up, telling her he was going to rob her, prosecutors said.
When she screamed, he allegedly threatened to kill her. The woman’s screams alerted neighbors, who called 911, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said Vega did not know the woman. As the attack continued, Vega removed the woman’s pants and ripped her undergarments, according to prosecutors. When police arrived and saw Vega on top of the woman, he stopped the attack and fled.
Police later released surveillance video showing a shirtless man jumping a fence and running down an alley following the attack. Detectives asked the public to help identify the man. Within days, Vega was arrested and charged in the case. After detectives identified Vega, they included his photograph in a lineup shown to the victim, who identified him as the assailant, prosecutors said.
He has now pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sexual assault while threatening the life of the victim, according to court records. Judge Peggy Chiampas sentenced him to seven years for each count, with the sentences to be served consecutively for a total of 14 years. Vega must serve 85% of the sentence before he can be released, and he must also register as a sex offender.
