By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD — A 78-year-old former ice skating coach employed by the Rockford Park District has been charged with sexual abuse, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato announced Tuesday, May 29.

Police say the three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against Eugene N. Heffron was the result of an Illinois State Police investigation of claims by two women who recently reported that he had touched them inappropriately during iceskating lessons. The alleged abuse happened in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2008 at Riverview Ice House and the Carlson Ice Arena. The victims were under the age of 17 at the time of the alleged offense.

Heffron is being held in the Winnebago County Jail on a $250,000 bond. Heffron is also ordered to not have contact with any children under 17.

Illinois State Police urge any other potential victims to call 815-632-4010, Extension 232.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse is a Class 2 felony, punishable by three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by two years of mandatory supervised release.

The charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. R.