Aranda pleads not guilty to child sex abuse charges

Posted on January 30, 2015

Cristian Aranda has pleaded not guilty to four charges, alleging he sexually abused two victims under the age of 13. (WJBC file photo)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – A soccer coach accused of sexually abusing two children has pleaded not guilty.

Cristian Aranda, 40, is charged with one count of predatory criminal sexual assault and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. All of the charges state the victim was under 13 years old. Authorities haven't released anything else about the alleged crime, citing the sensitive nature of the case.

Aranda was a volunteer soccer coach at Normal West, but school officials say all ties to Aranda have been cut. He was also a coach with the Illinois Fusion traveling soccer club, but all references to Aranda on the club's website have been deleted. Aranda is due back in court Feb. 20.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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