Former Channahon girls' gymnastics coach faces sex abuse charges

A 68-year-old Channahon man has been charged with sexually abusing a young girl whom he reportedly was coaching at a Channahon gymnastics studio several years ago, according to the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.

After a lengthy investigation, Channahon police on Monday arrested Jose Vilchis of the 23100 block of West Andrew Avenue on a warrant that included charges of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to a news release from the state’s attorney’s office.

The charges allege he performed sexual acts on a minor who was between the ages of 13 and 17. He is alleged to have performed these acts while he was coaching the young girl at I&M Gymnastics in Channahon between Dec. 1, 2012, and Dec. 1, 2013.

A call to I&M Gymnastics was not returned Tuesday.

Channahon police took Vilchis into custody Monday at the Walmart where he works, located at 2424 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.

Vilchis’ bond was set at $3 million. As conditions of his bond, Vilchis, who holds citizenship status in both Russia and Mexico, would have to surrender his passport and avoid all contact with the victim and with minors. In addition, should he post bond, Vilchis  would have to be placed on a GPS tracking device.

Channahon police ask anyone with information to call 815-467-2112.