Boone County Sheriff’s Detectives arrest Poplar Grove man

BOONE COUNTY – On Wednesday, Sept. 2, Boone County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a Poplar Grove man on multiple criminal sexual abuse charges.

Zachary Smith, 31, of Poplar Grove, was charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class Two Felony).  Smith remains in the Boone County Jail on a $150,000.00 (10 percent) bond.

The arrest of Smith by Boone County Detectives came after it was reported he had sexually abused a child under the age of 17.  Boone County Detectives worked with the Viroqua, Wis. Police Department and the Vernon County Wis. Sheriff’s Office on this investigation.

On Wednesday evening, Sept. 2, Boone County Sheriff’s Detectives, and Patrol Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 100 Block of Pembroke Road in Poplar Grove.   Detectives seized electronic equipment and computers.

The alleged abuse is believed to have occurred over the past 60 days.  The investigation continues and additional charges are possible.

A Class Two Felony is punishable by three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone having information on a crime or narcotic trafficking to call the Boone County Sheriff’s Office at (815) 544-2144 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 547-7867.

Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt.

Every defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the State’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.