On July 25, 2026, the Sterling Police Department received a report of criminal sexual abuse in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue in Sterling. Following an extensive investigation, detectives gathered evidence that led to the arrest of Thomas P. Williams, 34, of Davenport, Iowa.
Williams was charged with one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony, and one count of predatory criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony.
Williams is being held at the Whiteside County Jail pending a pretrial release hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing. No additional information will be released by the Sterling Police Department at this time.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
