Father, Son Charged in Attack During ISU Student Orientation

When the alleged victim went to her room after feeling ill she was followed and sexually assaulted, authorities said

A father and son from Chicago have been charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a woman visiting Illinois State University during orientation for incoming students.

The Bloomington Pantagraph reports 19-year-old Shawn Childs Jr. is charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault. Shawn Childs Sr. is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver for allegedly putting ecstasy in the woman's soda during the alleged incident Tuesday.

McLean County Assistant State's Attorney Adam Ghrist said Thursday the father and son went to the residence hall with other students who were at the campus to learn more about the university. The group was together in a dorm room where students were staying during the so-called "Preview" ahead of the start of classes in August.

Prosecutors reportedly claimed the elder Childs offered to buy alcohol for the students and the victim told authorities she saw him put a pill in her soda that she then drank.

When the alleged victim went to her room after feeling ill, she was followed by Childs Jr. and sexually assaulted, Ghrist alleged. She reported the attack the following morning.

Childs Jr. is being held in lieu of $10,000 bond; his father must post $20,035 to be released. It wasn't immediately known if the two have legal representation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us