Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Effingham City Police arrested a 42-year-old Effingham man on December 19, 2023 on five (5) counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault to a Child – Victim <13 and one (1) count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. Jason W. Jones was taken into custody without incident by Effingham Police and booked into the Effingham County Jail at approximately 1:52 P.M. on Tuesday. Jones is set to have a Pretrial Detention Hearing Thursday morning.
An investigation was initiated in late November after a report was made to Effingham City Police of an alleged sexual abuse. Effingham Police detectives discovered multiple victims during the initial investigation and are continuing to explore these leads. Additional charges may be added if the investigation uncovers further evidence of criminal activity.
Each count of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault to a Child is a Class X Felony and, if convicted, Jones faces a mandatory sentence of 6 – 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. If the Defendant were to be convicted of counts involving two different victims, he would be subject to a mandatory sentence of natural life in prison. Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse is a Class 2 Felony and carries a sentence of 3-7 years in prison.
Chief Jason McFarland praised the detectives and officers who are working on this case, stating, “I want to commend our department for the exemplary work on this recent arrest. These are never easy cases for the victims, our community, or the investigating officers. The dedication, skill, and teamwork of all those involved have once again demonstrated the highest standards of law enforcement. The values of our department are upheld by offering dignity and compassion to the victims and their families, as well as effecting justice to the offender through a thorough and competent investigation.”
The investigation into this case is on-going by Effingham City Police and the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office; no additional information will be released at this time.
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.
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