Vernon Hills youth softball coach charged with sexually abusing 12-year-old girl, may have fled Illinois

A Vernon Hills softball hitting coach is charged with sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl he was training, and police believe he may have fled the state.

Vernon Hills police said Eduardo "Eddie" Acosta-Gonzalez, 54, of Hoffman Estates is wanted on charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Police said they were contacted by the Illinois Department of Family Services about a tip from a 12-year-old girl who said Acosta-Gonzalez had inappropriate sexual contact with her while she was training at a Vernon Hills sports performance center where he rented space.

"It's a tough thing for anyone to do, let alone a child, to come forward," said Deputy Chief Shannon Holubetz.

According to police, the girl said Acosta-Gonzalez improperly massaged girl twice, making physical contact with her breast and groin.

"We do know in these cases, they involve the abuse of trust and authority by  trusted adult, and we just can't tolerate that," Holubetz said.

Police said after interviewing witnesses about these allegations, they believe he may have acted inappropriately toward other underage athletes as well.

According to a bio written on Acosta-Gonzalez, he previously worked at Judson University, was a member of the Milwaukee Brewers organization and coached youth programs like Top Tier Baseball and Gorilla Baseball.

The bio said he worked at Northern Illinois University as well, but the school said they have no record of him ever working there.

He is believed to have offered private coaching throughout the Chicago area, but most recently trained in Vernon Hills and Wauconda, police said.

Police encourage parents whose children trained with Acosta-Gonzalez to talk to them and report any suspicious conduct to the Vernon Hills Police Department or their local law enforcement.

Acosta-Gonzalez has previously been convicted of misdemeanor battery and received 180 days in jail for that crime. If found and convicted in this case, he would face up to 15 years in prison for each count.

Police said they have tried to find and arrest Acosta-Gonzalez, but have not been able to find him. They believe he may have left the state of Illinois.

Police said they do not know if Acosta-Gonzalez continues to have access to underage athletes.