STREATOR, Ill. — Daniel K. Baskin, of Peoria, was arrested by Streator Police on the afternoon of July 16, 2026, and charged with two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Victim under 13 years of age, a Class X felony under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40(a)(1). He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
The case is being prosecuted in LaSalle County Circuit Court. Baskin appeared in court the following day, July 17, before Judge Vescogni, where the State’s Attorney’s Office presented allegations detailing the incident and prior conduct involving a then 7-year-old victim. Judge Vescogni ordered Baskin held in custody, finding that detention was the only condition that would satisfy the court.
By Willow Moss | Moss and Ink | July 19, 2026
Last updated: August 26, 2026
Case Status
- Current status: Indicted; awaiting jury trial
- Next court date: Jury trial scheduled for September 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.; a final pretrial conference set for September 3 was canceled
- Charges:
- Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Victim Under 13 (Count 1) — Class X felony, 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40(a)(1) from 2023
- Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Victim Under 13 (Count 2) — Class X felony, 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40(a)(1) from 2026
- Custody status: Detained at the LaSalle County Jail; pretrial release denied
- Court: LaSalle County Circuit Court
- Prosecution: Assistant State’s Attorneys Laura Hall, Matthew E. Novotney and Matthew J. Kidder
- Defense: Assistant Public Defender Heidi Nelson (Assistant Public Defender Brad Popurella represented Baskin at earlier hearings)
- Presiding judge: Michelle A. Vescogni
- Last updated: August 26, 2026
Incident Overview
According to the State, the child’s mother, who was in the home along with the victim’s uncle, had a “gut feeling” to check on her daughter on July 16 and discovered Baskin with the minor. Another 8-year-old child was also in the home at the time but was asleep. The mother pepper-sprayed Baskin, ordered him to leave, and called police, leading to his arrest that afternoon.
The victim told authorities that the July 16 incident was not the first occurrence. Baskin allegedly confirmed as much, stating “that was a while ago,” though he claimed the earlier contact was minimal.
Prior Allegation (Fall 2023)
The State alleged that a first incident occurred in the fall of 2023, when the victim was 7 years old. Assistant State’s Attorney Hall told the court that Baskin, following an argument with the child’s mother, decided to assault the daughter as revenge, quoting Baskin as saying it “popped into his head that this would be revenge.”
Detention Hearing
In court, Assistant State’s Attorney Hall described Baskin as a “predator,” calling his actions “shocking to the conscience” and a “gross deviation from societal norm.” Hall argued that any assumption pretrial release conditions would be followed “should be considered absurd” and urged that Baskin remain detained.
The public defender countered that Baskin had passed three prior pretrial release assessments and had always complied with conditions, suggesting home confinement with GPS monitoring would be sufficient.
Hall responded that Baskin works and normally lives in Peoria, and that a GPS monitor would not prevent his proximity to minors, stating that “both the victim and any other minor would not be safe with him free” and describing him as “a severe risk for all children.”
Judge Vescogni sided with the State, finding that Baskin “is a clear and present threat” to the victim and “all other children,” and ordered him detained.
Case Timeline & Proceedings
July 16, 2026 — Arrest
Daniel K. Baskin was arrested by Streator Police and taken to the LaSalle County Jail on two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Victim under 13.
July 17, 2026 — Initial Court Appearance / Detention Hearing
Baskin appeared before Judge Vescogni. The State presented allegations of the July 16 incident and a prior 2023 incident. The public defender requested home confinement with GPS monitoring; the request was denied, and Judge Vescogni ordered Baskin detained.
July 28, 2026 — Grand Jury Indictment
A LaSalle County grand jury returned indictments against Baskin on both counts of predatory criminal sexual assault.
August 6, 2026 — Arraignment
Baskin was arraigned on the grand jury indictment and entered pleas of not guilty on both counts.
September 3, 2026 — Final Pretrial Conference (Canceled)
A final pretrial conference originally scheduled for this date was marked canceled on the court docket.
September 14, 2026 — Jury Trial (Scheduled)
A jury trial is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
Latest Update (As of August 26, 2026)
Baskin remains in custody at the LaSalle County Jail, with pretrial release denied. A grand jury indicted him on both counts on July 28, 2026, and he was arraigned and entered not guilty pleas on August 6, 2026. A final pretrial conference set for September 3 was canceled, and the case is now scheduled for jury trial on September 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available. All information is sourced from publicly available law-enforcement releases, court filings, and official statements. Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
— Willow Moss