Man Being Investigated for Predatory Sex Assault of Child Found Dead: Police

Authorities in Woodstock believe a 57-year-old man who was being investigated for allegedly sexually assaulting a child has taken his own life.

Kevin B. Molthop, of the 200 block of Fremont Street in Woodstock, was found dead inside his home at 4:21 p.m. on Wednesday -- a day after authorities searched his home and removed evidence in connection with an investigation into the predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, according to a Woodstock Police Department press release. Authorities believe Molthop may have assaulted more children and is asking the public to come forward with any information that indicates their child, or a child they know, may have had contact with Molthop that they considered “suspicious.”

“The purpose of continuing the investigation is to attempt to ensure that any of the victims who come forward receive post-incident victim assistance,” according to a news release.

During the search of Molthop’s home on Tuesday, police removed several “items of potential evidence,” according to authorities. They then brought Molthop in for questioning and later released “pending the results of evidence analysis.”

As part of an initial investigation, police learned Molthop has only had contact with the police twice in the past: the first time in 1980s due to a theft complaint that occurred outside of Woodstock and again in 2013 when an informational incident reports was taken in 2013 by the Woodstock Police Department.

Police responded to Molthop's home less than 24 hours after the search and found him dead inside.

A preliminary investigation into Molthop’s death indicated he died from self-inflicted injuries from an "incised wound to the neck," McHenry County Coroner Anne Majewski said in a news release.

Anyone with information about any other potential sex assault victims can notify the Woodstock Police Department’s Investigations Division at (815) 338-2131.

This investigation has been, and continues to be, a collaborative effort between the Woodstock Police
Department Investigations Division, the McHenry County Coroner’s Office, and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of McHenry County, police said.