Romeoville Man Held Woman Against Her Will For A Week, Threatened Her With Machete: Police

ROMEOVILLE, IL — A Romeoville man is facing several charges, including two counts of domestic battery, after he held a woman against her will, according to Wauconda Police.

At 9:08 p.m. Sept. 6, Wauconda Police saw a "suspicious" man and woman in the parking lot of the Jewel grocery store, police said. The woman appeared uncomfortable, and the man was acting erratically, according to police.

Officers continued surveillance as the two entered a vehicle and left the area. Officers then conducted a traffic stop after multiple violations, including no headlights activated, and no front license plate displayed, police said.

During the stop, the driver, now identified as Frank Saporito, 42, of Romeoville, was "confrontational and uncooperative," police said.

The woman appeared fearful, had visible injuries, and told police she was being held against her will. Police said further investigation revealed concerning statements and evidence of domestic violence.

Saporito was taken into custody. Wauconda K-9 Skye indicated on the vehicle and a search was performed, which resulted in the recovery of a locked safe and a machete that was used to threaten the victim, police said.

Saporito has been charged with aggravated unlawful restraint, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, two counts of domestic battery and improper display of registration.

Additional charges of possession of controlled substance are anticipated after a laboratory analysis of suspected heroin that was found in the safe, which was searched pursuant to a warrant, police said.

The victim was provided with assistance and support services.

WGN9 reported that Saporito had pulled up to a bus stop near Midway Airport and asked the woman if she needed a ride. He drove her to his home in Romeoville, and held her against her will for over a week.

A petition to deny pre-trial release for Saporito was granted, according to court documents. He remains in custody at Lake County Adult Corrections Facility.