A LaSalle County criminal case alleges multiple felony offenses involving online solicitation and sex offender registration compliance. The defendant remains in custody as the case proceeds through early pretrial stages.
By Willow Moss
Moss and Ink | January 8, 2026
OTTAWA, Ill. — Case Overview
Edward W. Pickford, 28, listed as homeless and most recently associated with Mendota, has been charged in LaSalle County Circuit Court with multiple felony offenses related to alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor, according to court records.
The case, People of the State of Illinois v. Edward W. Pickford, is filed under case number 2025CF000525 in the 13th Judicial Circuit. Charges were brought by the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office following an investigation by the Mendota Police Department into alleged incidents reported to have occurred in October 2025.
Details of the Case
Court records show Pickford faces two counts of indecent solicitation of a child, both Class 2 felonies under Illinois law, as well as one count of violating the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act, charged as either a Class 2 or Class 3 felony depending on statutory enhancements.
Under Illinois statute, indecent solicitation of a child generally involves knowingly using electronic communication or other means to solicit a minor to engage in sexual conduct. Authorities allege aggravating factors apply in this case, including the use of the internet and Pickford’s prior criminal history.
Public filings do not identify the alleged victim or disclose the victim’s age, in accordance with privacy protections in cases involving minors.
Case details at a glance:
Case number: 2025CF000525
Court: LaSalle County Circuit Court (13th Judicial Circuit)
Defendant: Edward W. Pickford, 28, listed as homeless, Mendota
Charges:
Two counts of indecent solicitation of a child (Class 2 felony)
One count of violation of the Sex Offender Registration Act
Arrest and Charging Timeline
Authorities allege the offenses occurred in October 2025.
Pickford was arrested on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in the 500 block of Chestnut Street in Dalzell, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, according to law enforcement reports. He was transported to the LaSalle County Jail in Ottawa following the arrest.
Formal felony charges were subsequently filed by the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office. Public records did not specify whether the case proceeded by grand jury indictment or information.
Pretrial Status and Custody
As of Jan. 8, 2026, the case remains in the early pretrial phase. Court records indicate Pickford has not been released and is believed to remain in custody at the LaSalle County Jail. No bond amount, plea, or trial date had been publicly reported as of the most recent update.
A pretrial hearing is anticipated, though the date was not listed in available public summaries. More detailed docket information may be available through the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk’s office or its online records system.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the investigation or the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged offenses.
Pickford is expected to appear in court for upcoming pretrial proceedings in LaSalle County Circuit Court. Additional information may become public as hearings are held and motions are filed.
This is a developing story and will be updated as confirmed information becomes available through court records or official sources.
Background Information
Court records indicate Pickford is a registered sex offender with prior LaSalle County convictions for indecent solicitation of a child using the internet and being a sex offender in a school zone, offenses that previously resulted in probationary sentences through plea agreements.
The current charges allege conduct occurring during his registration period and may represent a violation of the conditions imposed under Illinois law. No details identifying prior victims or current alleged victims have been made public.
This story summarizes confirmed public records and reporting. Victim identities have been withheld in accordance with state law and ethical standards for reporting sexual assault cases involving minors.
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