CHICAGO — A 50-year-old registered sex offender is facing new felony charges after prosecutors say he groped a 9-year-old girl while she played in a South Loop playground, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The incident occurred Saturday at Jones Park, located at 11th and State streets, a well-frequented spot for neighborhood families. According to Cook County prosecutors, the child was at the park with her father when the suspect, identified as Lodell Burnett, sat down next to her and inappropriately touched her.
Girl Alerts Father, Police Arrest Suspect
Prosecutors say the young girl immediately told her father, who then confronted Burnett and contacted police. Chicago Police officers responded quickly, taking Burnett into custody at the scene.
During a court hearing this week, Assistant State’s Attorney Luis Munoz stated that Burnett admitted to touching the girl’s thigh and acknowledged “it was wrong.”
A Disturbing Pattern: Past Convictions Emerge
Burnett’s arrest marks the latest in a series of similar offenses.
He is a registered child sex offender due to two prior convictions — one from 1998 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a 13-year-old girl, and another in 2001 for the attempted abuse of a 15-year-old girl.
Because of his prior status, Burnett was not legally allowed to be in a park or playground area, per his sex offender registry conditions. Prosecutors say this violation alone constitutes a Class 4 felony, aside from the recent groping accusation.
Judge Denies Bail, Labels Defendant a Danger
At Tuesday’s bail hearing, Judge Maryam Ahmad ordered Burnett to be held without bail, citing him as a clear threat to public safety.
“He represents an ongoing danger to minors in our city,” the judge said. Burnett now faces charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and presence in a prohibited zone by a sex offender.
Community Concerns Mount Over Park Safety
Local parents expressed outrage over the incident, questioning how a repeat offender was allowed to be in a space designated for families and children. Some are calling on the city to install better signage and increase CPD patrols around parks frequented by minors.
“This was broad daylight,” said Jennifer Torres, a South Loop resident and mother of two. “There has to be more accountability for tracking sex offenders.”
Burnett’s Legal History And What Comes Next
Court records show Burnett has served prison time for past offenses and is on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry. The registry clearly prohibits him from entering playgrounds, schools, and parks — conditions prosecutors say he blatantly ignored.
If convicted on the new charges, Burnett could face decades in prison due to his repeat offender status.
He is scheduled to appear in court again next week for a status hearing. Prosecutors are expected to push for a long-term sentence, citing the pattern of abuse and Burnett’s disregard for the terms of his prior convictions.
Do You Think Park Safety Measures Are Enough?
Have you noticed sufficient enforcement or signage around your neighborhood parks? Should the city increase patrols or improve surveillance in play areas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
