Chicago police officer charged with sexually assaulting fellow cop's 9-year-old daughter

A 20-year veteran with the Chicago Police Department is currently being held for allegedly sexually assaulting the 9-year-old daughter of a fellow officer while attending a barbeque at the girl's home, ABC 7 Chicago reports.

Chicago Police Sargent Dennis Barnes, 61, has been charged with one count of attempted predatory criminal sexual assault and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

According to investigators, Barnes was visiting a fellow officer's home Saturday night for a barbeque when he allegedly attempted to fondle the girl under a blanket while she and her brother watched a movie.

Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Novy stated that the girl pushed Barnes' hands away and that her brother, noticing what was happening, ran to get his mother. According to the girl, Barnes licked her face twice after she refused to let him kiss her while she  was alone with him.

When the boy returned with his mother, Barnes and the girl were both still under the blanket and the girl tearfully told her mother what had been happening.

Barnes reportedly left the home when confronted and eventually turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday.

Describing Barnes as "a well-liked, respected member of the Chicago police department," the police officer's attorney, Michael Clancy, said "The charges in this case are ridiculous,” as bail was set at $100,000.

Barnes, a father of two  children and grandfather of ten, has been relieved of duty and was expected to be released from custody today after posting bail.

Watch the video below from ABC-7 Chicago: