Sarah Howard, 34, of Normal has been arrested on 19 counts of various sexually related offenses.
On 08/29/24, after an investigation by the Bloomington Police Department’s (BPD) Cyber Crimes Unit, Sarah Howard was arrested on 19 counts of various sexually related offenses. The investigation began when a technology company made a report, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, regarding the uploading and sharing of videos believed to be child sex abuse material.
Detectives with the BPD Criminal Investigations Division executed several search warrants related to the case. Evidence of Howard sexually assaulting a child and performing sexual acts with an animal were located. Evidence of child pornography was also located. A warrant was issued for Howard’s arrest. Members of the BPD Street Crimes Unit located and arrested Howard without incident.
ARRESTED: Sarah Howard, 34, of Normal Illinois
– Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault with a victim less than 13
– Sex with an Animal (5 counts)
– Production of Pornography with an animal (3 counts)
– Possession of Child Pornography with a victim less than 13 (5 counts)
– Reproduction of Child Pornography with a victim less than 13 (5 counts)
“The work we do on behalf of victims who are preyed upon by violent offenders is noble. I am always amazed at the efforts of our dedicated officers,” stated Chief Jamal Simington. “I am saddened by the pain and harm victims face at the hands of predators. As a community, let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
Anyone with information on this case should contact Detective Tyrel Klein at 309-434-2366 or Tklein@cityblm.org.
The BPD participates in the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. BPD receives CyberTips, or online reports of child pornography, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The BPD will continue their efforts in investigating cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet. If you believe you or someone you know is a victim of sexual exploitation, you can submit a tip with NCMEC at https://report.cybertip.org/.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law.