La Salle man charged following ‘indecent’ acts investigation

A La Salle man faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of exposing himself and asking “sexual acts” of minors at a La Salle city park.

Michael E. Thomas, 55, of 1020 Second St., Apt. 710, La Salle was charged with indecent solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation into an incident reported at 8:37 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at Hegeler Park near St. Vincent’s Avenue.

A police report announcing the charges was issued Friday. His jail photo was not available as of Friday afternoon. Thomas was ordered held on $40,000 bond.

Indecent solicitation is a Class 1 felony punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison. Sexual exploitation is a Class 4 felony carrying 1 to 3 years.

The case remains under investigation by La Salle and Mendota police and the La Salle County State’s Attorney’s Office. Additional charges may be pending, according to the report.

Court dates are pending. The case is assigned to La Salle County Circuit Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia.