Spyridon Spyropoulos, 69, is accused of sexually assaulting a child for several years in exchange for gifts. (Credit: Cook County Sheriff’s Department)
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (STMW) – A Southwest Side man is being held on $500,000 bond for allegedly sexually assaulting a child in exchange for gifts.
Spyridon Spyropoulos, 69, of the 10400 block of South Spaulding Avenue, was charged with one count of criminal sexual assault for an alleged incident in Worth, according to a release from Cook County Sheriff’s police.
Spyropoulos, the boyfriend of a relative of the victim, was ordered held on $500,000 bond at a Thursday hearing in Bridgeview, the release said.
Sheriff’s police began investigating after the victim told a parent Spyropoulos was giving out “heart kisses” for gifts, the release said. “Heart kisses” was Spyropoulos’ euphemism for a sexual assault.
The victim said Spyropoulos would give expensive gifts and request “heart kisses” based on the cost of the gift, the release said. Each gift was worth a minimum of two “heart kisses.”
The victim said the assaults took place over about five years — while the victim was between seven and 11 years old, the release said. The victim, now 14, did not come forward earlier because of feelings of fault for accepting the gifts.
Spyropoulos is next scheduled to appear at the Bridgeview courthouse March 10.
