A 56-year-old Chicago man is facing felony charges after police say he spent months posing as a basketball coach to groom a 15-year-old boy. Andre Jackson was taken into custody Monday and was scheduled for a detention hearing Wednesday as investigators continue working the case.
Jackson, who lives in the West Pullman neighborhood, was arrested by Chicago police and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, according to CBS News Chicago. WGN-TV reported that the arrest took place in the 700 block of East 111th Street.
Police allege that Jackson presented himself as a basketball coach and used that role to commit what investigators described as acts of indecent solicitation and grooming against a 15-year-old boy. According to the FOX 32 Chicago report, the alleged conduct took place over the course of several months earlier this year.
Charges and Conflicting Counts
Court records on the exact charges have not been independently verified, and reporting on the specific counts varies. CBS News Chicago reported that Jackson was charged with one felony count each of indecent solicitation, indecent solicitation for aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and grooming. FOX 32 Chicago, citing police, described the charges as one felony count of grooming and one felony count of indecent solicitation and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Jackson was due in court Wednesday for a detention hearing, per the station's report. The investigation remains ongoing, according to police cited by WGN-TV.
Police Seek Potential Victims
Investigators have not detailed the nature of Jackson's alleged contact with the teen beyond the grooming and solicitation allegations, nor have they confirmed whether he held any formal coaching role with a team or organization. Chicago police are asking anyone who may have information, or who may have been a victim themselves, to come forward.
According to ABC7 Chicago, anyone who may have been a victim is asked to contact the Chicago Police Special Investigations Unit at 312-492-3810. No additional information about the identity of the alleged victim has been released.
