STREATOR, Ill. — Daniel A. McMeen, of Streator, has been charged with six counts of Sexual Conduct with an Animal under Illinois criminal statute 720 ILCS 5/12-35(a), a Class 4 felony. The case is being handled in LaSalle County Circuit Court.
By Willow Moss | Moss and Ink | Developing story (Updated August 10, 2026)
Case Status
- Current status: Indicted by grand jury on all six counts; arraigned and pleaded not guilty
- Next court date: September 24, 2026 — pretrial status hearing (final pretrial Oct. 1, jury trial Oct. 6)
- Custody status: Released on GPS monitoring
- Charges: Six counts of Sexual Conduct with an Animal (720 ILCS 5/12-35(a)), Class 4 felony
- Court: LaSalle County Circuit Court
- Presiding judge: Judge Ryan
- Defense attorney: Thomas Carrasco (retained counsel; previously appointed Public Defender withdrew)
- Last updated: August 10, 2026
Arrest & Charges
McMeen was arrested on June 2, 2026. According to court records, the alleged offenses occurred on multiple dates: May 9, May 13, and May 14, 2026. He faces a total of six counts under the statute.
Evidence & Allegations
On May 14, 2026, a Streator woman — identified in records as McMeen’s now-former girlfriend — filed an order of protection against him in court. In that filing, the petitioner requested that McMeen be barred from any contact with her pets. She disclosed that a home security camera recorded McMeen engaged in the alleged activities during the late hours of May 13 or the early hours of May 14, 2026. The petitioner stated she alerted Streator police on May 14 and submitted the video footage for law enforcement review.
Background
Court records indicate the defendant has a prior criminal history, including a prior charge of strangulation. Additionally, we are still working to verify reports of an alleged family history involving violence and homicides. Further details on that matter will be reported as information is confirmed.
Case Timeline & Proceedings
June 4, 2026 — First court appearance
McMeen appeared before Judge Ryan on June 4, 2026. At that hearing, he was assigned a Public Defender and released on GPS monitoring.
June 16, 2026 — Grand Jury Indictment
A LaSalle County grand jury returned indictments against McMeen on all six counts of Sexual Conduct with an Animal, each a Class 4 felony. McMeen was not present for the grand jury proceeding, as is standard, and remained free on his previously ordered pretrial release with GPS monitoring conditions.
July 2, 2026 — Arraignment
McMeen appeared in court and was arraigned on the six-count indictment. Ahead of the hearing, privately retained attorney Thomas Carrasco filed his appearance on McMeen’s behalf, and the previously appointed Public Defender was allowed to withdraw. McMeen waived formal reading of the charges, acknowledged receipt of the indictment and an explanation of the possible penalties, and entered a plea of not guilty. The court admonished McMeen of the possible consequences of a guilty finding, and the case was continued to September 24, 2026 for a pretrial status hearing, October 1, 2026 for a final pretrial, and October 6, 2026 for jury trial.
Community Reaction
The case has generated a significant community response, with hundreds of comments posted online following news of the charges. Among the reactions:
- “Where is John Wick when you need him” -M.S.C.
- “He better pack up and leave” -J.F.
This is a developing story. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Moss & Ink Local will continue to report as the case progresses.