Local man found guilty of molesting two children

Posted on April 21, 2017
McLean County Law and Justice Center
Cristian Aranda will be sentenced in June at the McLean Co Law and Justice Center.
(WJBC file photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON — A McLean County jury has convicted a local man for molesting two young girls.

Cristian Aranda was a volunteer soccer coach at Normal West High School and a coach with the Illinois Fusion traveling soccer club. However, authorities said the case is not related to Aranda’s coaching duties.

Both girls testified during the trial. The judge cleared the courtroom of spectators, but reporters were allowed to stay, when the girls took the stand. Jurors deliberated about three-hours before finding Aranda guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault, which requires a mandatory prison sentence of up to 30-years. Jurors also returned guilty verdicts on three lesser felonies of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Sentencing is set for June 23rd before Judge William Workman.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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