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Man arrested on child molestation charges

By Laura Forbes - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Rachel Folz - email

CROSSVILLE, IL (WFIE) - A Crossville, Illinois man is in jail after police say he molested at least two children.

Police fear there may be other victims.

The investigation into Michael Grimwood, 26, began when the mother of a 14-year-old boy came forward.

Grimwood was apparently helping the boy with his homework.

"Michael told him there were too many distractions," Officer Jason Eaton said. "He wanted him to come back to his residence in Crossville so they could concentrate on work."

Police say Grimwood lived in his father's basement.

That is where, police say, the alleged incidents took place.

Stuff started happening and he told Michael he was uncomfortable with it," Officer Eaton said. "He kept pushing it and they watched porn sites. One thing led to another."

The mother also alerted the parent of a 6-year-old who had also spent time with Grimwood.

She told her what was going on and said , 'hey, you might want to ask your kid if Michael ever did anything,'" Eaton said. "Sure enough, the kid said yes."

There may be others, police say one possible victim is just 3-years-old. That child now lives in California.

Police there are helping with the investigation.

Eaton says Grimwood told him that he has been spending time with several children.

The allegations have hit home in this quiet town of 800.

"It shocked a lot of people in town and it shocked me too," Eaton said. "I knew him from before and I didn't think he was capable of this."

Grimwood is charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a child.

Grimwood is being held at the White County jail on a $75,000 bond.

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