From the State’s Attorney:
CRYSTAL LAKE MAN ACCUSED OF REPEATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINOR ORDERED DETAINED PENDING TRIAL
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that Andrew Franklin, 43, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, had been ordered detained pending trial after being charged with five counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, all Class 2 felonies, involving a minor.
The Honorable Judge Justin M. Hansen granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release following Franklin’s initial court appearance on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Evidence presented during the detention hearing revealed that Franklin allegedly engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor throughout 2026.
During that time, Franklin is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with the minor on multiple occasions inside his Crystal Lake residence.
As part of the investigation, Crystal Lake Police Department detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at Franklin’s residence during the overnight hours of October 23 into October 24, 2026.
During the search, investigators reportedly recovered evidence consistent with the alleged sexual conduct having occurred inside the home.
“Children deserve protection, not exploitation,” said State’s Attorney Freese.
“The sexual exploitation of minors is a betrayal of their innocence and trust, and our office will pursue these cases relentlessly.
“I commend Detective Jennifer Zielinski and the Crystal Lake Police Department for their swift, decisive action and outstanding investigative work in bringing these serious allegations before the court.”
Franklin remains detained pending trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 5, 2026, in Courtroom 304.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
