Sleepy Commuter Wakes Up to a Sex Criminal Stroking Her Hair

A woman riding a north suburban Metra train fell asleep only to wake up to a convicted sex offender rubbing up against her and stroking her neck and hair last week.

Michael G. Russo, 55, is homeless and a sex offender who did not register as such, according to Cook County prosecutors. He’s charged with failing to register as well as aggravated battery of a transit passenger. He appeared before a judge on Saturday who set bail at $200,000.

On Thursday, Russo was aboard an inbound Milwaukee District Metra train when he sat next to the sleeping woman, played with her hair, caressed her neck and pressed his body against hers, according to authorities.

“Oh you’re tired. I’m tired too. We can go to sleep together,” he reportedly said, according to police. She pushed him away and another passenger also intervened. Chicago Police arrested Russo at Union Station.