Man gets 4 years for following 82-year-old woman into Lakeview retirement home as prosecutors drop sex charges

Patrick Somerville (Chicago Police Department)

A man accused of following an elderly woman into her Lakeview retirement center and trying to sexually abuse her last year has received a four-year prison sentence.

Patrick Somerville, 43, pleaded guilty to residential burglary before Judge Timothy Joyce, who handed down the sentence, according to Cook County court records. In exchange, prosecutors dropped eight other felony counts, including home invasion and multiple sex offense charges.

The case stemmed from an incident on the evening of October 15, 2024, in the 1500 block of West Belmont Avenue. Prosecutors said the 82-year-old victim, who has dementia, went outside for a cigarette and was returning to her apartment when Somerville slipped in behind her through a secured door.

Once inside, Somerville followed her to her unit and sat down on her couch, prosecutors said. When the woman realized he was there, she told him to leave. Prosecutors said Somerville walked toward the door with his pants down, kissed her shoulder, grabbed her, and tried to touch her over her clothing.

Video surveillance showed Somerville entering the woman’s apartment, and audio captured her repeatedly telling him to “leave, leave,” prosecutors said.

When police later arrested Somerville, he allegedly admitted to being in the building and told investigators that he and the woman “had a little fun together,” prosecutors claimed.

Somerville must serve half of his four-year sentence and will receive credit for time already spent in custody since his arrest. He is expected to be released on parole on October 15, 2026.