Three teenagers from the Chicago area have been charged with sexually assaulting a female classmate inside a minivan following a high school graduation party, according to prosecutors in DuPage County, Illinois.
Details of the Alleged Assault
The incident is alleged to have occurred between the night of 14 June and the early morning of 15 June. The trio, all aged 18 and recent graduates, were attending a private party in Roselle for students from Saint Viator High School. Prosecutors state that the three young men and the victim were together in a minivan when each of the defendants sexually assaulted her.
Following the alleged attack, the victim went to a friend's home and contacted her sister, who then alerted their parents. The young woman was taken to hospital for medical attention, and her family contacted the Roselle Police Department.
Charges and Court Appearances
Arrest warrants for Kevin Niemiec of Prospect Heights, Zachary Mascolo of Arlington Heights, and Jon Clary II of Bartlett were issued on 17 December. Mascolo was taken into custody four days later during a traffic stop near his home. Clary and Niemiec surrendered themselves at the DuPage County Jail the following day.
The charges faced by each defendant are as follows:
- Kevin Niemiec: Charged with three counts of criminal sexual assault. He was denied pretrial release by Judge Joshua Dieden on Tuesday and is being held in custody. His next court date is 12 January 2026.
- Jon Clary II: Charged with three counts of criminal sexual assault. He was granted pretrial release on Tuesday under conditions that prohibit alcohol and any contact with the victim or her family. His next appearance is scheduled for 27 January 2026.
- Zachary Mascolo: Charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault. He was granted pretrial release on Monday under similar court-ordered conditions and is also due back in court on 27 January 2026.
Official Statements and School Response
In a strongly worded news release, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin condemned the alleged actions. "A graduation party is a celebration of accomplishments and the excitement of a bright future," Berlin said. "It is alleged that Mr. Clary, Mr. Mascolo and Mr. Niemiec violated the victim in the worst possible way and inflicted lasting harm on a young woman."
He also praised the victim's "courage and strength" in reporting the matter.
Saint Viator High School issued a statement clarifying that the alleged assault did not occur at a school-sanctioned event. "This gathering... took place in Roselle at a private, non-school-sanctioned event that was not sponsored, organized, supervised, or authorised by Saint Viator High School," the statement read. It emphasised that the event happened after the students involved had graduated.
The school extended its "sincere concern, support, and prayers to all those affected" and pledged continued cooperation with law enforcement.
