Convenience Store Clerk Convicted of Sexual Assault Disappears Before Sentencing
A convenience store clerk, Bharath Simha, who was convicted in January of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old runaway boy in the Loop, has disappeared after the judge denied a prosecution request to keep him in jail until his sentencing.
Simha, 22, was found guilty by a jury of criminal sexual assault and two counts of kidnapping in connection with the December 2023 attack at a 7-Eleven store on East Jackson Street. Despite the guilty verdict, Judge Peggy Chiampas refused to revoke Simha’s electronic monitoring status and order him jailed to prevent him from fleeing.
Following his failure to appear for scheduled court dates on February 14 and 21, Judge Chiampas sentenced Simha in absentia to 10 years for sexual assault and seven years for the kidnapping charges. A nationwide arrest warrant has been issued for Simha, who is now facing a new charge of escaping electronic monitoring.
Prosecutors revealed that the incident occurred when a 15-year-old runaway boy, who had left home after an argument with his mother, sought refuge at the convenience store. Simha allegedly assaulted the boy after offering him food in exchange for work.
Despite Simha’s initial denial of the assault, evidence including security footage from the store contradicted his claims. The boy managed to escape and report the incident to the police, leading to Simha’s arrest in December 2023.
During the trial, Simha’s attorney attempted to prevent any mention of his immigration status, as Simha feared deportation due to his student visa status. Despite these efforts, Simha’s conflicting statements and behavior during police interviews raised suspicions.
Simha’s sudden disappearance before sentencing has raised concerns about his intentions and whereabouts. The authorities are actively seeking his apprehension to ensure justice is served in this disturbing case of sexual assault.
Stay tuned for updates on the ongoing search for Bharath Simha and the developments in this troubling criminal case.
