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Crime & Safety

Former Village Attorney Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Assault, Kidnap

David Baitman, who's being tracked electronically after posting bail, is charged with 22 counts in connection with a sexual attack last year.

An attorney and former Village of Oak Forest hearing officer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman.

David Baitman, 59, who once oversaw the municipal ticket court in Oak Forest, has been charged with 22 counts related to sexual assault and kidnapping.

Cook County Judge John J. Hynes gave Baitman permission to visit his teenage daughter, who was present in court Thursday and who was included against her will in an order of protection.

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The woman Baitman is accused of assaulting babysits his daughter on occasion, according to Baitman’s attorney, Cheryl Shroeder.

Oak Forest police said Baitman . He’s accused of handcuffing her, cutting off her clothing, gagging and blindfolding her, and molesting her with an undisclosed object. 

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Baitman then allegedly dragged the woman by her hair into a bedroom closet, where he held her overnight. He checked on her periodically and threatened her with a handgun, according to .

She was treated for her injuries at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn after Baitman allowed her to call a relative in Frankfort and checked himself into a psychiatric ward, police said.

He's expected back in court on Jan. 23, 2012, as the state continues to gather evidence.

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