Softball Coach Wanted On Sex Abuse Charges Involving Juvenile Athlete

VERNON HILLS, IL — Aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges have been filed against a Hoffman Estates man accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a 12-year-old girl while serving as her softball hitting coach, Vernon Hills police said.

Eduardo “Eddie” Acosta-Gonzalez, 54, is wanted on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. An arrest warrant filed Aug. 21 alleges Acosta-Gonzalez improperly massaged the girl on two occasions during the spring and summer of 2026, including making physical contact with her breast and groin, according to a news release.

The investigation began after the Vernon Hills Police Department received a referral from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Police said the alleged conduct occurred while the girl was training at a Vernon Hills sports performance center where Acosta-Gonzalez rented space.

Efforts to locate and arrest Acosta-Gonzalez have been unsuccessful, and police believe he may have left Illinois. Youth programs known to be affiliated with Acosta-Gonzalez were notified of the investigation, though police said it is unclear whether he continues to have access to juvenile athletes.

Witness statements obtained during the investigation also suggest Acosta-Gonzalez may have behaved inappropriately toward additional underage athletes, police said. Acosta-Gonzalez is believed to have offered private coaching throughout the Chicago area and most recently was known to train and coach athletes in Vernon Hills and Wauconda, according to police.

Parents of athletes who have been trained by Acosta-Gonzalez are encouraged to speak with their children and report any suspicious conduct to police. The charges are Class 1 felonies, and if Acosta-Gonzalez is convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison on each count.

Anyone with information about Acosta-Gonzalez or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Vernon Hills Police Department Investigations Division at 847-918-5605 or email pdtips@vhills.org.