A 41-year-old Hampshire man is in custody after allegedly removing a 9-year-old girl from her bike, forcing her into a van and sexually assaulting her.
The defendant has been charged with Aggravated Kidnapping, a Class X felony; Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class X felony; Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony; and Sexual Exploitation of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor.
According to police, at approximately 1:34pm on Sunday officers responded to the 1200 block of Cape Cod Lane in Pingree Grove after reports of a child abduction and criminal sexual assault involving a 9-year-old girl. The investigation indicated that the child was forcibly taken from her bicycle, coerced into a white four-door sedan, and sexually assaulted before she managed to escape.
Officers immediately initiated an extensive investigation that included neighborhood canvases, surveillance video review, forensic evidence collection, interviews, and the use of the Flock Safety License Plate Readers (ALPR). Information developed during the investigation ultimately led investigators to identify and apprehend the suspect on Thursday.
The defendant appeared in court yesterday where the judge ordered him detained in the Kane County jail pending trial. His next court date is set for July 16, 2026, at 9am in courtroom 313 of the Kane County Judicial Center.
“This case demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies and child advocacy professionals,” said Pingree Grove Police Chief Christopher Harris. “The swift response of our officers, investigators, and our law enforcement partners resulted in the rapid identification and apprehension of a suspect. While this arrest is an important step in the investigative process, our primary focus remains on supporting the young victim and her family as they begin the difficult journey toward healing.”
This investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator Smith at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office Child Advocacy Center at (630) 845-3780.
