Waterloo, IL – An 81-year-old Belleville man has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving two juvenile victims, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials said the investigation revealed the suspect, identified as James L. Goodwin, allegedly engaged in inappropriate contact with the minors over an extended period of time. Detectives conducted multiple interviews and gathered evidence supporting formal charges.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies first received a report on November 9 alleging the inappropriate conduct by a family member. Following further investigation, Monroe County State’s Attorney Ryan Webb filed charges on November 13.
Goodwin faces three Class 1 felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, with allegations involving victims under the age of 18 and an offender in a position of trust.
Investigators, with assistance from the Belleville Police Department and Illinois State Police SWAT Team, located Goodwin later that day at a coffee shop on East Main Street in Belleville. Authorities said he was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Monroe County Jail, where he remains.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude to partnering agencies, noting their collaboration was “instrumental in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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