LEROY, Ill. (WCIA) — A local man faces multiple charges for sex crimes.

Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested 48-year old Jerald Sandage. He’s being held on $750,000 bond for each of four warrants.

Authorities say Sandage is charged with five counts of criminal sexual assault, one count of criminal sexual abuse and two counts of intimidation.

Interim UI Chief of Police Matt Myrick said in December 2019, an internal investigation into “suspected misuse of law enforcement resources” regarding Sandage was given to State Police for a criminal investigation. He said the charges against Sandage are a direct result of that investigation.

Myrick said Sandage resigned from UIPD on February 27, 2020. However, his police authority was revoked during while the investigation was pending. Myrick said the department wanted to ensure the “investigation was handled properly and that Sandage did not have additional opportunities to put community members at risk.”

DCI, the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, UIPD and Champaign County Sheriff’s Office were all involved in the investigation. Anyone with additional information in this case or any other crime is encouraged to call authorities.

Illinois State Police
(815) 844 – 1500 ext. 2321
(217) 278 – 5004