Lawyer For Joliet Woman Tied to Teen Sex Tryst Waiting on Evidence

Prosecutor have yet to provide the discovery evidence requested by the lawyer for a Joliet woman charged with setting up a sex date with a teenage boy in the home she shares with her 76-year-old boyfriend.

The woman, 32-year-old Margarita Hernandez, appeared in court with attorney Steve Landis Thursday morning and was told by Judge Edward Burmila that prosecutors will get another five days to either come up with the evidence that has been asked for else argue why they shouldn't have to.

Hernandez was arrested Oct. 4 after an alleged July tryst with a 15-year-old Chicago boy.

Hernandez's elderly live-in boyfriend, veteran weekly newspaperman John Gabriel, has claimed his much-younger girlfriend has been framed by the enemies he made over the years he has spent in the community news business.

Gabrial and Hernandez are both precinct committeemen for the Troy Township Democrats.

Landis is looking to get his hands on discovery evidence from the Joliet and Chicago police departments, as well as from the FBI.

Assistant State's Attorney Sara Shutts told Judge Burmila that "Mr. Landis is requesting items that are not in the custody of the state's attorney at this time."

Hernandez faces up to 21 years in prison and Burmila said he will sentence her to the maximum if she violates the conditions of her bond.