Carnival worker accused of molesting two children

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Wilfredo Elias

/ CBS Chicago/Cook County State's Attorney

(CBS) CHICAGO- Wilfredo Elias, a 29-year-old carnival worker, has been accused of molesting a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old child in his care, CBS Chicago reports.

According to the Cook County State's Attorney's office, Elias is charged with one felony count each of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and manufacturing child pornography.

CBS Chicago reports that in July, a witness found a USB flash drive in a family storage area belonging to Elias. Upon opening files on the device, the witness found several video files, one of which allegedly depicted Elias sexually assaulting a child, prosecutors said.

The witness told a family member who called police. Elias was reportedly arrested on a warrant last week in Missouri while traveling with the carnival where he worked. He was ordered held without bond when he returned to Chicago.

The station reports that investigators later found several video images showing Elias assaulting each of the two toddlers, according to prosecutors. Both victims were identified, and prosecutors reportedly learned that they had been under Elias' care several times over the past year.

It is unknown whether or not Elias has a criminal record, what carnival company he worked for, or whether he was previously suspected of abusing any children at the carnival.

He is due back in court on October 2 and could face life in prison if convicted.

Less than two weeks ago, CBS Chicago reported that a 19-year-old carnival worker named Adam J. Moyers was accused of sexually assaulted a 3-year-old in a fun house at the Schaumburg Village Septemberfest. Moyers was charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault.

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