PEORIA, Illinois — A Peoria man faces multiple felony charges following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving at least two minor victims.
Kevin A. Armstrong, 61, was taken into custody on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to Peoria Police Department spokeswoman Semone Roth.
The investigation began on Wednesday, April 29, when police officers responded to a local middle school after a minor reported ongoing abuse by an adult. Authorities quickly launched a criminal investigation and identified Armstrong as a suspect.
The following day, Thursday, April 30, law enforcement officials responded to a residence regarding separate allegations of inappropriate touching involving a second minor. The reporting party indicated the abuse had occurred over a period of many years. Detectives subsequently identified Armstrong as the suspect in that case as well.
As part of the investigation, detectives conducted forensic interviews with the children involved. Police later executed a search warrant at Armstrong’s residence, located in the 500 block of West Northmoor Road, where investigators reported finding evidence connected to the case.
Armstrong was arrested on Thursday, May 7, during a traffic stop on westbound Interstate 74 near the Illinois Route 6 interchange. He was transported to the Peoria County Jail, where he is currently being held. He is expected to make an initial court appearance for formal charging as early as Friday afternoon.
Following the arrest, Peoria Public School District spokeswoman Marjorie Kauth confirmed that Armstrong is a former temporary and seasonal employee of the district. Armstrong previously worked as a referee assigner, a role responsible for coordinating the assignment of professional referees for various sports activities.
Kauth stated that Armstrong did not have direct contact with students during his employment, and he is no longer affiliated with the school district. District officials emphasized that the allegations involve events that took place outside of the school environment, and the matter is not a school-related incident.
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