A 19‑year‑old from Madison is facing a serious stack of felony charges after Granite City police say he sexually abused a 13‑year‑old girl and engaged in grooming and online contact meant to set up meetings.
According to RiverBender, Tim D. Smith, of the 1200 block of Washington Avenue in Madison, Ill., was charged on June 15 with three Class 2 felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He also faces one count each of indecent solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor, both Class 3 felonies, along with one Class 4 felony count of grooming. Granite City Police presented the case, and Smith is being held in the Madison County Jail.
What the charges mean under Illinois law
Illinois treats grooming, solicitation and traveling to meet a minor as separate felony offenses, with penalties that increase based on what investigators say actually happened. The state’s Criminal Code is outlined by the Illinois General Assembly, which notes that grooming is a Class 4 felony, while traveling to meet a minor and certain solicitation charges can be Class 3 felonies. Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is charged as a Class 2 felony. Sentencing ranges are set in the state’s corrections code, with Class 2 felonies typically carrying a three‑to‑seven‑year term, according to the Illinois Unified Code of Corrections.
Allegations and arrest
The state’s petition, reviewed by RiverBender, alleges the crimes took place between June 5 and June 12 and that Smith committed multiple sexual acts against a 13‑year‑old victim during that period.
Investigators say two juvenile girls left a residence to meet Smith. Officers later found him near the victim’s home and took him into custody. After being read his Miranda rights, Smith was interviewed, and the petition states he admitted to having a sexual relationship with the minor and initially lied to officers about his age.
What’s next
Smith remains in custody at the Madison County Jail while the Madison County State's Attorney's Office reviews the case and prepares for potential detention hearings and further proceedings in circuit court. As in every criminal case, Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and prosecutors will determine whether to seek additional filings or a pretrial detention petition.
Resources for families and tips for reporting
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Granite City Police or file a report through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, which accepts tips 24/7 via the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Victims and families can seek confidential help through the National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN at 1‑800‑656‑4673. Local victim‑witness support, including help navigating the court process, is available through the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office.
