PIKE COUNTY, IL SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES ARREST ON CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — A 36-year-old man is being held in the Pike County Jail after authorities say an investigation into allegations involving a child under the age of 13 led to two Class X felony charges.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of Jack L. Green, 36, who authorities listed as homeless, on two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Age of 13.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, investigators received a report on August 5 alleging that a sexual offense had been committed against a juvenile victim under the age of 13. The case was assigned to Pike County Chief Deputy Zachary L. Orr.

Authorities say Green was identified as a suspect during the investigation. Orr conducted numerous interviews, collected evidence and followed up on investigative leads.

The investigation involved assistance from several agencies, including the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Roodhouse Police Department, White Hall Police Department, Carrollton Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, Pike County Child Advocacy Center, Unified Child Advocacy Network in Jerseyville and the Pike County State’s Attorney’s Office.

An arrest warrant was issued for Green on August 18.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, Green was located and taken into custody by law enforcement officers in Mount Vernon within hours of the warrant being issued.

Green appeared Thursday, August 20, in Pike County Circuit Court. Judge J. Frank McCartney ordered Green detained while the case proceeds.

The Sheriff’s Department says Green was already on pretrial release in Greene County at the time of his arrest on charges of Unlawful Use of a Debit or Credit Card and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.

Green remains lodged in the Pike County Jail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 1 at 1 p.m.

Chief Deputy Orr said cases involving the sexual abuse of children are among the most serious investigated by law enforcement and emphasized the importance of cooperation between agencies and child advocacy organizations.

“When it comes to protecting children and holding offenders accountable, jurisdictional boundaries should never stand in the way of professionals working together,” Orr said.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Department thanked the agencies and organizations that assisted with the investigation.

Green is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.