ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. — A Metro East man is accused of multiple child sex crimes after authorities said several victims came forward this week during the course of an investigation.
St. Clair County prosecutors on Wednesday charged Richard H. Hay, 41, with one count of predatory criminal sexual assault, four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim older than 5.
The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department said deputies responded shortly before midnight Monday to St. Elizabeth's Hospital and spoke to the victim's parents, who said their daughter may have been sexually assaulted.
During the course of the investigation, "several other victims" came forward about Hay, the sheriff's department said.
Hay was booked Monday night at the St. Clair County Jail. A detention hearing was set for 10 a.m. Thursday.
The department asked anyone else who may have been a victim to contact the department at 618-825-5309.