By Jim Hagerty
Contributor

ROCKFORD — A man wanted for allegedly exposing himself to children at a Rockford church is behind bars.

Police say 41-year-old Waylan Anderson, of Rockford, was arrested Friday at St. Mary’s Church, 517 Elm Street.

On Feb. 28, and again on March 17, the Rockford Police Department received complaints regarding a male suspect who was exposing himself to parishioners and staff at St. Mary’s. Two of the victims were minors, one under 13.

“After both incidents, officers searched the church and surrounding area for the suspect with negative results,” Rockford Police Lt. Kurt Whisenand said in a release.

Whisenand said Anderson was identified as a suspect during a follow-up investigation by detectives from the Sensitive Crimes Unit. The case was later reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Anderson has been charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and three counts of trespassing.  He is lodged in the Winnebago County Jail. Initial bond has been set at $13,000. His first court date is unknown as of this report. R.