Child Molester Behind Bars Following International Probe: Police

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – A wanted child molester is behind bars in McHenry County following an international investigation. Robert J. Gould, 51, of Novia Scotia, Canada, is being held on a $500,000 bond and faces predatory criminal sex assault charges following incidents that occurred in Island Lake and unincorporated Woodstock this past April, police said.. He was arrested in Canada on Sept. 1, extradited to the U.S. and taken into custody by authorities at Logan International Airport in Boston on Sept. 19 before he was transferred to the McHenry County Jail where he arrived Wednesday, according to a news release from the McHenry County Sherif's Office.

An investigation into Gould's wrongdoings was launched after Canadian authorities contacted the McHenry County Sheriff's Office. They provided information on possible criminal activity that occurred in Illinois, according to authorities.

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Local authorities then worked with the Halifax Regional Police in Nova Scotia to conduct a
criminal investigation. Investigators made contact with Gould in August when he was visiting the Wheeling area, according to police.

Police said the charges stem from incidents in April 2017 in Island Lake and unincorporated Woodstock.

Warrants were subsequently issued for his arrest on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Since his arrest, Gould has been charged with four counts of predator criminal sexual assault of a child, a class X felony; six counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 years old, a class X felony; seven counts of criminal sexual assault of a victim under 18, a class 1 felony; and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a class 2 felony.

Gould is next expected in court at 9 a.m. on Oct. 23.