Wanted Sex Offender Faces New Sex Assault Charges

LAKE COUNTY, IL -- The Lake County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in tracking down a wanted sex offender who faces new criminal charges after he allegedly sexually assaulted a juvenile family member, police said Tuesday. Police believe Barry A. Deacon, 34, recently fled his home in the 35600 block North Greenleaf Avenue in Ingleside to avoid being arrested on the most recent sex assault charges. Authorities launched an investigation into Deacon last November after learning he allegedly made sexual advances toward his female relative, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The juvenile was visiting some of her relatives on Nov. 10 when Deacon is accused of sexually assaulting her, according to authorities.

Following the sheriff's office's investigation, detectives attempted to locate Deacon and determined he'd fled from his home. They obtained two warrants for his arrest: one for two counts of failure of a sexual offender to report change of address, Class 3 felonies. The warrant was issued since Deacon did not tell authorities he was no longer living at the Ingleside home, which is a requirement for registered sex offenders, according to a news release.

His bail on that arrest warrant has been set at $250,000.

A second warrant was issued in the most recent sex assault case. Deacon is charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, Class 2 felonies; and two counts of criminal sexual assault, Class 1 felonies. His bail in that case is $750,000.

Authorities believe Deacon could be avoiding arrest in the Chicago or Ingleside area. He is described as being 5-feet, 7-inches tall and weighing 155 pounds. He has hazel-colored eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts are encouraged to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Team at 847-377-4250 or Lake County CrimeStoppers at 847-662-2222.

PHOTO VIA THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE