DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Chief of Police James Volpe announced May 21 that bond has been set for a homeless man accused of sexually assaulting a woman near the Illinois Prairie Path in Wheaton. Robert Davidson, 38, appeared in Bond Court last week where Judge Robert Miller set bond at $750,000. Davidson is facing one count of Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 Felony.
On May 18, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Wheaton Police Department was notified of someone screaming for help near the PADS Shelter in Wheaton. Upon their arrival, officers found the victim with dirt on her face and scratches and cuts to her upper body. It is alleged that at approximately 12:30 that night, Davidson approached the woman near the Prairie Path and demanded sex from her. It is further alleged that when she declined, Davidson dragged her into a wooded area by her hair and sexually assaulted her. It is further alleged that following the assault, Davidson fled.
An investigation by the Wheaton Police Department led to Davidson who was arrested and taken into custody without incident on May 20.
“Sexual assaults are degrading and among the most invasive crimes a victim can endure,” Berlin said. “Physically and emotionally, the damage caused by a sex crime can fester, leaving victims to suffer not only at the time of the assault but possibly for years to come. I would like to commend the Wheaton Police Department for their outstanding work in identifying Mr. Davidson as a suspect in this case. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Tom Minser for his efforts in preparing a strong case against this defendant.”
“This is another example of exceptional teamwork and cooperation between Wheaton patrol officers, investigators, forensics and DuPage prosecutors,” Volpe said. “In a matter of just a few days after this horrific crime was committed, the alleged offender, Robert Davidson, is in custody with a formidable bond set. Wheaton Detectives Stelmar and Johnson deserve special praise for their relentless investigation into this crime over the past three days.”
Davidson’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 15.