CALHOUN COUNTY MAN CHARGED IN CHILD SEX ASSAULT CASE

HARDIN -- A Calhoun County investigation into an alleged child sexual assault has led to the arrest of a Godfrey man on a serious felony charge.

Calhoun County Sheriff Zach Hardin announced that 38-year-old Tommy R. Thompson was arrested December 30, 2025, on a charge of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault involving a victim under the age of 13.

The investigation began December 18, 2025, after authorities received a report of an alleged assault in rural Calhoun County, Illinois. During the investigation, the sheriff’s office worked with the United Child Advocacy Network to conduct forensic interviews, along with assistance from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Authorities also executed multiple court-authorized search warrants as part of the investigation.

A felony arrest warrant was issued December 29, 2025, and Thompson was taken into custody without incident. He is currently being held at the Jersey County Jail without pre-trial release pending further court proceedings.

Officials thanked the victim for coming forward, along with the victim’s family and assisting agencies, including the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information related to child sexual abuse or exploitation is encouraged to report tips through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.