ROCKFORD, Illinois — Cherry Valley police officer Jason Personette has been charged with criminal sexual assault of a minor with whom he held a position of trust, authority or supervision.
Criminal charges were filed against the 35-year-old police officer Wednesday afternoon in Winnebago County Court. He was booked into the Winnebago County Jail shortly before 5 p.m. He is scheduled to appear before a judge 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
Personette is one of about a dozen police officers in Cherry Valley. As recently as last summer, Personette was involved with the Cherry Valley Police Explorers, a program for teenagers interested in careers in law enforcement.
According to the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk website, Personette is facing five counts of criminal sexual assault of a victim between the ages of 13 and 17.
Mark Karner, chief deputy of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, confirmed last week that the sheriff’s office was conducting a criminal investigation against a Cherry Valley police officer but would not elaborate on the nature of the allegations.
Karner said Wednesday that he expected an announcement on the case Thursday.
Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato and Sheriff Gary Caruana have a news conference scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday to “provide an update and announce charges regarding a pending criminal investigation.”
Source: http://www.rrstar.com/news/20180207/cherry-valley-officer-charged-with-sexual-assault-of-minor