EUREKA, Ill. (25 News) – A Washington man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a youth softball player over several years is scheduled to appear in Woodford County court Thursday for a motion hearing, according to 25 News.
Jason Rockhold, 45, was charged August 5 with criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, possession of child pornography and grooming. All charges allege the victim was under the age of 18. Rockhold is not affiliated with any travel softball organizations associated with the Washington Park District.
Court records paint a disturbing picture of alleged abuse spanning several years.
A detective found that Rockhold shared nude images with the victim, who is now 17, along with photos of the two of them together, according to court records.
During a child advocacy interview, the victim said the abuse began when she was 11 or 12 years old in Tazewell County and continued for years, with alleged sexual acts occurring up to 70 times.
Court records also allege Rockhold contacted the victim at all hours, became aggressive when she did not respond, and later created fake social media accounts to keep in contact with her. He also allegedly provided money and gifts in exchange for explicit photos.
Additional allegations in court records include Rockhold getting the victim intoxicated and assaulting her in a Metamora parking lot, and threatening to harm himself if she reported the abuse.
Rockhold was listed as a head coach and manager for several softball teams through USSSA Fastpitch over the years. He was suspended in late June by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, a national organization overseeing youth and Olympic sports.
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