Energym employee charged with criminal sexual abuse

SYCAMORE – A 21-year-old man was arrested Wednesday on allegations he inappropriately touched a 9-year-old girl at the gymnasium where he worked, Sycamore Police said.

Joseph R. Hannon, of the 1700 block of DeKalb Avenue in Sycamore, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse in connection with an incident that occurred Nov. 25 at Energym, 1715 DeKalb Ave., according to a police news release. He could face three to seven years in prison if convicted.

He would also be required to register as a sex offender.

Sycamore Police Chief Glenn Theriault said detectives interviewed witnesses and obtained video taken inside Energym. He said their investigation found Hannon was behind the girl, who was bending over to drink from a water fountain. Hannon then placed his hands on her hips and pressed his lower body against her, he said.

The incident occurred during an open gym session that day, which was the day after Thanksgiving, Theriault said.

Hannon was arrested Wednesday evening, and Sycamore police were working to contact families of children who might have been around Hannon, Theriault said. He said Hannon appeared to have worked at the gym for multiple years.

Anyone concerned that their child might have been victimized should call the Sycamore Police Investigations Division at 815-895-3435, the release said.

Hannon was being held Wednesday at the DeKalb County Jail. He will have a bond hearing Thursday afternoon, when a judge will determine how much money he must post with the court to be released.