child sex abuse

The Aurora native rose in the ranks from a member of the Illinois House of Representatives to the U.S. Speaker of the House. But his conviction in 2016 for financial misconduct as part of a plan to pay hush money led to explosive revelations in federal court that he sexually abused teenage boys in the 1970s while he was a wrestling coach at Yorkville High School.

After two high-profile criminal cases against Twin City cheer coaches, WGLT looks into how coaches are vetted and supervised across local schools and private gyms.

Brady Stoewer, 24, of Normal was eligible for probation after pleading guilty to one count of criminal sexual abuse of a minor. A judge issued the 4.5-year sentence during an all-day hearing Friday in McLean County Court.

An employee at the McLean County jail is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material. He's now being held at a different jail in Champaign County.

A judge said there was "no doubt" the state had met its burden of proof that Chiddix teacher Andrew "Drew" Miller poses a threat to society and should be detained. Miller has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Eswin Ixcotoyac-Tzoy, 23, is accused of posing as a juvenile on social media and traveling to Bloomington to meet a teenage girl.

Illinois Republican lawmakers introduced bills stiffening penalties for charges related to child sex trafficking, including prohibiting plea deals and increasing prison time.

Richard Gaines was convicted by a McLean County jury in 2024. An appellate court has tossed out two of three convictions and sent the case back to McLean County for resentencing.

Six men have been arrested by the Illinois State Police for allegedly attempting to engage in commercial sex acts with underage individuals, following a two-day investigation in the Bloomington area.

Police have arrested Brady Stoewer on charges of criminal sexual assault and abuse of a minor, grooming and solicitation of child pornography.