MORRISON, IL — A Morrison man is facing several sexual assault charges after Illinois State Police arrested him Wednesday in connection with alleged attacks in Whiteside County. Authorities say the case involves multiple victims and offenses that dated back to 2021.
The suspect, 33-year-old Brian Coers, was taken into custody after an investigation that began when officials received sexual assault allegations involving incidents in Wisconsin and Illinois. He is being held on preliminary charges while the case moves forward in court.
What Police Allege
According to a news release, Coers is charged with one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13, a Class X felony under Illinois law. That charge carries a prison sentence of 6 to 60 years.
He also faces two counts of Class X felony criminal sexual assault-force/previous conviction, with each count carrying a sentence of 6 to 30 years. In addition, he is charged with one count of criminal sexual assault of a family member, a Class 1 felony that carries a prison term of 4 to 15 years.
How The Case Unfolded
Illinois State Police opened the investigation in May after receiving reports about alleged sexual crimes that had taken place in Wisconsin and Illinois. Investigators said agents identified Coers as the suspect before moving in on the arrest.
He was arrested at his home in Morrison, according to Whiteside County Circuit Court records. Agents also seized a number of electronic devices, and additional charges may still be filed.
Next Court Steps
Coers first appeared in Whiteside County Circuit Court on Wednesday, where Associate Judge Jonathan Rudd continued the case until 1 p.m. Friday. At that time, a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing are scheduled.
Illinois State Police worked the case with the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department, police departments in Savannah and Morrison, the FBI in Madison, Wisconsin, ISP Zone 4 patrol, and the Illinois attorney general’s Office of Forensics. Officials also said tips about child sexual abuse material can be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.
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