Illinois State Police Make an Arrest in Sexual Assault Case
On Tuesday June 23, 2015, Jerad B. Gale was arrested by the Illinois State Police on charges of Criminal Sexual Assault. Gale, a 31-year-old Champaign resident was hired by the Champaign Police Department on August 27, 2012, where he has served as an officer in the patrol division. Currently, there is no indication that any of the allegations occurred while Gale was on-duty as a Champaign Police Officer.
The charges allege that Gale, through the use of force, committed acts of sexual penetration against two women—one in Champaign County on November 9, 2013, and a second in Piatt County between July 4 and July 28, 2012. Gale, who was in long-term relationships with the victims at the time of the assaults, is being charged by Champaign County with one count of Criminal Sexual Assault, one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, and one count of Aggravated Domestic Battery. The Piatt County case charges Gale with one count of Criminal Sexual Assault. A warrant was issued for Gale in both Champaign County and Piatt County, with bond set at $250,000 for each warrant.
The Champaign Police Department is very concerned about the allegations brought forward and are being fully cooperative with the Illinois State Police during the course of this investigation. In accordance with Department policy, Gale has been placed on investigative leave, pending the outcome of the criminal charges and internal investigations.
The Champaign Police Department respects the rights of all citizens and is committed to the right of due process. With respect to the criminal allegations, Champaign Police are not at liberty to elaborate further on the investigation or the involved parties. Further inquiries about this case may be directed to Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz at 217-384-3733 or Piatt County State’s Attorney Dana Rhoades at 217-762-2574.