A Vernon Hills youth softball coach is facing felony charges after police say he sexually abused a 12-year-old girl — and investigators believe he may no longer be in Illinois. Authorities are asking the public for help locating him as the case moves through the court system, according to CBS News Chicago.
- Accused: Daniel J. Czerwinski, identified by police as a youth softball coach in Vernon Hills, Illinois (CBS News Chicago)
- Allegations: Charged with criminal sexual abuse involving a 12-year-old girl (CBS News Chicago)
- Status: Police say he may have fled Illinois; he is wanted as the case proceeds (CBS News Chicago)
- Investigation: The Vernon Hills Police Department is involved; the case is being handled through the criminal court process (CBS News Chicago)
- Public ask: Authorities are urging anyone with information on his location to contact law enforcement (CBS News Chicago)
CBS News Chicago reports the charges stem from an alleged incident involving a girl described as 12 years old. Local police have not publicly identified the child — and neither will we — but the reporting makes clear this is not a “team drama” story. This is a criminal case with an urgent public-safety component, especially given investigators’ belief that the accused may have left the state.
For youth sports families, the immediate takeaway isn’t panic — it’s logistics. When a league learns of a serious allegation, the next steps tend to be the same across most programs: preserve any communications, route information to law enforcement, and avoid “internal investigations” that accidentally turn into rumor mills. CBS News Chicago’s reporting emphasizes that police are actively trying to locate Czerwinski, which is why tips about whereabouts matter more than sideline speculation.
This case also lands in the middle of a reality youth leagues have been grappling with for years: most organizations run on volunteers, tight budgets, and a constant churn of new coaches. That’s exactly why clear screening procedures, documented reporting pathways, and written boundaries around adult–player contact are standard best practices across many youth sports governing bodies. If your league’s policies are basically “we all know each other,” this is the moment to double-check what’s actually on paper.
Anyone with information should follow the guidance provided by local authorities as reported by CBS News Chicago.
Source: CBS News