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A longtime licensed Illinois High School Association referee is facing serious felony charges after two minors came forward to report ongoing sexual abuse — with one of the alleged victims telling school officials she came forward because she was simply "tired of it."
Kevin Armstrong, 61, of Peoria, is the Peoria Illinois IHSA Referee Accused of Predatory Child Sexual Assault who was arrested on May 7, 2026, following a week-long investigation by Peoria police. A grand jury subsequently indicted Armstrong on charges of predatory child sexual assault. He has been ordered held in custody pending the outcome of the case and has pleaded not guilty. Armstrong held a license with the Illinois High School Association and worked with Peoria Public Schools in a contractor role as a referee assigner.
The investigation began on April 29, 2026, when police were called to a local middle school after a 13-year-old girl told school officials that a relative had been sexually abusing her. The alleged victim told officials she came forward because she was "tired of it." Police were then led to a residence on April 30, where a second minor alleged years of inappropriate touching by Armstrong. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Armstrong's home on West Northmoor Road, where evidence related to the investigation was found. An iPad seized during the search was undergoing forensic examination at the time of his arrest. Armstrong was taken into custody during a traffic stop on Interstate 74 and declined to speak with police.
The factual information above was sourced from centralillinoisproud.com as of July 8, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a person in a trusted youth sports role is accused of sexually assaulting a child, families may have significant civil legal options beyond the criminal process. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Illinois sexual abuse attorney Ervin Nevitt about the civil legal avenues that may be available to families in cases involving alleged sexual abuse by someone connected to youth athletic programs.
Paul Amess: Ervin, when a person in a licensed youth sports officiating role is accused of child sexual assault, what civil legal options may be available to families?
Ervin Nevitt: Cases involving the alleged sexual assault of a child by someone who held a licensed role in youth sports raise serious civil liability questions that go beyond the individual accused. Organizations that license, credential, and deploy individuals in roles with access to children carry a responsibility to screen and oversee those individuals appropriately. When someone allegedly exploits a trusted role to gain access to children and commit abuse, questions arise about whether the licensing or employing institution had adequate safeguards in place to protect the minors under their programs.
Paul Amess: In cases where an alleged victim came forward after enduring abuse for an extended period, does the duration of the alleged abuse affect the civil legal landscape?
Ervin Nevitt: A prolonged pattern of alleged abuse raises important questions about whether any opportunities existed for institutions or adults in supervisory roles to identify warning signs and intervene. The longer alleged conduct continues, the more relevant the question becomes of whether adequate monitoring was in place. Families should speak with an experienced attorney to understand how the specific circumstances may factor into any civil claims.
Paul Amess: What would you say to a family in Illinois whose child was allegedly abused by someone connected to a youth sports organization or school contractor role?
Ervin Nevitt: Please speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Time limits apply to civil claims in Illinois, and early action always gives families the strongest possible foundation. An initial consultation is completely confidential and free of charge — no family should have to navigate this process alone.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual assault or abuse by any person connected to a youth sports program, school contractor, or any position of authority in Illinois, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Illinois sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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