BENTON – The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says a Benton man has been arrested for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child.

According to Sheriff Kyle Bacon, on Saturday, July 8, patrol deputies received a report concerning a potential sex offense that happened in rural Franklin County. The victim in the allegation was identified as a child. Sheriff’s detectives immediately began working the case. 

As a result of the investigation, 34-year-old Robert B. Hodges of Benton was placed under arrest and charged with two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child and Unlawful Violation of an Order of Protection. 

Hodges is lodged in the Franklin County Jail with bond set at $205,000. 

Sheriff Bacon thanks the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for their invaluable assistance in the investigation.