Eduardo “Eddie” Acosta-Gonzalez is a 54-year-old youth softball hitting coach from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, who was arrested after police accused him of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl during private training sessions in Vernon Hills. Authorities say Acosta-Gonzalez improperly touched the girl during two separate incidents in the spring and summer of 2026. He faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and police are investigating whether other underage athletes may also have experienced inappropriate conduct.
Eduardo Acosta-Gonzalez Arrest
Acosta-Gonzalez Surrendered To Police On August 31, 2026. Vernon Hills Police said Acosta-Gonzalez turned himself in at the department with the assistance of his attorney after authorities had spent several days trying to locate him. [ABC7 Chicago] [FOX 32 Chicago]
He Was Transferred To The Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Police said Acosta-Gonzalez was moved into county custody after surrendering and was expected to make his first court appearance on September 1. [CBS Chicago] [Daily Herald]
Arrest Warrant Issued
An Arrest Warrant Was Issued On August 21. Vernon Hills Police obtained the warrant after investigating allegations involving a 12-year-old girl whom Acosta-Gonzalez coached. [NBC Chicago]
Police Initially Could Not Locate Acosta-Gonzalez. Investigators said efforts to arrest him were unsuccessful and believed he may have left Illinois. [ABC7 Chicago] [NBC Chicago]
Charges Against Eduardo Acosta-Gonzalez
Acosta-Gonzalez Faces Two Counts Of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. Lake County court records and Vernon Hills Police identify both charges as aggravated criminal sexual abuse. [CBS Chicago]
The Charges Are Class 1 Felonies. Police said the offenses are enhanced because Acosta-Gonzalez allegedly occupied a position of trust, authority or supervision over the girl. [Lake & McHenry County Scanner]
Each Count Can Carry Up To 15 Years In Prison If He Is Convicted. Authorities cited that potential penalty when announcing the warrant. [ABC7 Chicago] [NBC Chicago]
Alleged Sexual Abuse Of 12-Year-Old Player
The Alleged Victim Was A 12-Year-Old Girl. Police said the girl was receiving private softball hitting instruction from Acosta-Gonzalez. [CBS Chicago] [ABC7 Chicago]
Police Say The Alleged Conduct Happened During Two Coaching Sessions. Vernon Hills Deputy Chief Shannon Holubetz said the two incidents occurred during the spring and summer of 2026. [ABC7 Chicago] [Daily Herald]
Acosta-Gonzalez Allegedly Touched The Girl’s Breast And Groin. Police said he improperly massaged the girl during the two sessions and made sexual contact with those areas of her body. [CBS Chicago] [WGN via AOL]
Vernon Hills Sports Performance Center
The Alleged Abuse Happened At A Sports Performance Center In Vernon Hills. Police said Acosta-Gonzalez rented space at the facility to provide private softball instruction. [CBS Chicago] [FOX 32 Chicago]
Acosta-Gonzalez Was An Outside Instructor Rather Than An Employee Of The Facility. Gorilla Baseball Academy owner Jason Dolenga told ABC7 that Acosta-Gonzalez rented space there and did not work for the academy as an employee. [ABC7 Chicago]
The Facility Revoked His Access After Learning Of The Investigation. Dolenga said Acosta-Gonzalez was barred from returning and no longer had any role with Gorilla Baseball Academy or Gorilla Baseball Club. [ABC7 Chicago]
DCFS Referral Starts Investigation
The Investigation Began After A Referral From Illinois DCFS. Vernon Hills Police said the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services alerted the department to allegations involving the 12-year-old athlete. [NBC Chicago] [FOX 32 Chicago]
Police Praised The Girl For Coming Forward. Holubetz said reporting suspected abuse is difficult for anyone and particularly difficult for a child. [ABC7 Chicago]
Police Investigate Possible Additional Victims
Witness Statements Raised Concerns About Other Underage Athletes. Vernon Hills Police said information gathered during the investigation suggested Acosta-Gonzalez may have acted inappropriately toward additional minors. [Lake & McHenry County Scanner] [ABC7 Chicago]
Police Say Acosta-Gonzalez Coached Children Throughout The Chicago Area. Investigators believe he offered private instruction across the region and most recently coached athletes in Vernon Hills and Wauconda. [Daily Herald] [Lake & McHenry County Scanner]
Youth Programs Previously Associated With Him Were Notified. Police contacted known programs affiliated with Acosta-Gonzalez as investigators tried to determine whether he continued to have access to young athletes. [NBC Chicago]
Police Are Asking Other Families To Contact Investigators. Parents of children trained by Acosta-Gonzalez have been encouraged to speak with their children and report any suspected inappropriate or criminal behavior. [CBS Chicago] [Lake & McHenry County Scanner]
Case Status
Acosta-Gonzalez Is Now In Custody. His August 31 surrender ended the police search that began after authorities obtained the August 21 warrant. [FOX 32 Chicago]
His Initial Court Appearance Was Expected September 1. Authorities said Acosta-Gonzalez would appear before a Lake County judge after being transferred into sheriff’s custody. [CBS Chicago] [Daily Herald]
The Investigation Remains Active. Police continue seeking information concerning possible conduct involving additional athletes. [Lake & McHenry County Scanner]
The Charges Have Not Been Proven In Court. Acosta-Gonzalez is accused of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse but has not been convicted.
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.