Knox County, IL Arrest: Galesburg Man Accused of Child Solicitation

Galesburg, IL – A 47-year-old Galesburg man is in the Knox County Jail after an investigation into alleged communications of a sexual nature involving a minor, authorities announced Thursday.

According to the Knox County Sheriff's Office, investigators identified William L. Marshall during the investigation and gathered evidence related to the alleged offenses. Detectives also confirmed that Marshall is a registered sex offender, the sheriff's office said.

Marshall was taken into custody Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Authorities said Marshall faces two counts of indecent solicitation of a child, along with charges of unlawful grooming, solicitation to meet a child and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges are allegations, and Marshall is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The sheriff's office said Marshall was transported to the Knox County Jail, where he remained in custody pending further court proceedings at the time of the department's announcement.

Authorities did not disclose the age of the minor or provide additional details about the alleged communications, citing only the investigation conducted by the sheriff's office Investigations Division.

Sheriff Jack Harlan Jr. said the protection of children remains a priority for the department and that allegations involving potential child exploitation are investigated thoroughly.

The Knox County State's Attorney's Office assisted investigators throughout the case, according to the sheriff's office.

No additional information about upcoming court dates was included in Thursday's release