Fox River Grove man pleads not guilty to sexually assaulting 2 children

A 37-year-old man pleaded not guilty Friday to charges alleging he sexually assaulted two children whom he knew.

Korem M. Johanson entered a not guilty plea to four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim younger than 13, a Class X felony, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Johanson, of the 8900 block of Gardner Road, Fox River Grove, also pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possessing a firearm without a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card, according to a bill of indictment filed at the McHenry County Courthouse.

He is being held in the McHenry County Jail on $500,000 bond, of which he must post $50,000 to be released.

If convicted of the most serious charges against both children, he could face up to 60 years in prison.

Charges of indecent solicitation of a child were dismissed by the indictment, according to court documents.

Authorities said the incidents occurred between July 1 and 22.

Police said Johanson knew the victims, who were 5 and 8 years old, according to the criminal complaint.

Police also said they found a Smith and Wesson 9 mm handgun in Johanson’s possession, according to the indictment.

He is due back in court Sept. 27.