Akai, Former Oak Forest Scout Volunteer, Pleads Not Guilty

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — A former Oak Forest Cub Scouts volunteer pleaded not guilty this week to 23 criminal felony counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and of child pornography.

Jason Akai, 44, of the 15000 block of Oak Forest Road, pleaded not guilty to the crimes Wednesdayin the Lake County Circuit Court, the Chicago Tribune reported. The crimes for which he is charged are not related to his time with the Cub Scouts. Police have said they occurred in Buffalo Grove, but have released no other details.

Akai was charged with two Class X felony counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. He also was charged with another 19 Class X felony counts of possession of child pornography, and two Class 1 felony counts of possession of child pornography. The Class X felonies carry a sentence of six to 30 years for each county. Each Class 1 felony carries a prison sentence of four years to 15 years. Akai is not eligible for probation under those charges.

According to the Tribune, Akai posted bond July 20, paying 10 percent of his $750,000 bail.

He appears in court again August 29.

Read more in the Tribune.