Grundy County Man Sexually Assaulted Child For 3 Years: Police

VERONA, IL — A 46-year-old Verona man faces criminal charges in connection with sex crimes involving a child, which led to his arrest last week, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Robert E. Schaffnit III was arrested on July 3 after Grundy County investigators began to look into complaints in June that involved the criminal sexual assault of a juvenile, police said. The complaints stated that the reported abuse had been taking place for the past three years.

The investigation also involved interviews with the victim, police said. Police also were able to locate items that showed evidence of the abuse, police said.

On July 5, Schaffnit was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault less than 13 years old, criminal sexual assault of a family member less than 18 years old, aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim less than 18 years old, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim less than 13 years old.

Bond was set at $250,000 in connection to the charges, and prosecutors said that Schaffnit could face additional charges.

Schaffnit was elected in April to a four-year term as a Verona village trustee.