Father, son charged in alleged sex assault at ISU orientation

NORMAL, Ill. (WLS) -- A father and son from Chicago face criminal charges after being accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman visiting Illinois State University.

The alleged incident happened on Tuesday in a campus residence hall. Campus police said Shawn Childs Sr. volunteered to buy liquor for a group of students staying in the ISU dorm during orientation for incoming students.

The victim told police she saw Shawn Childs Sr. put a pill in her drink. Childs Sr. is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver for allegedly putting ecstasy in the woman's soda.

The victim said 19-year-old Shawn Childs Jr. raped her twice after his father drugged her. Childs Jr. is charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault.

"Hearing this and having to come home and tell my mom that this is happening, is probably the biggest thing she is going to be concerned about," said Abby Perez, a prospective student.

The campus is marked frequently with emergency call spots, and on their website Illinois State University lays out extensive guidelines, protection resources and a step-by-step procedure on how to report a sexual assault.

Police said when they arrested Childs Sr. he had ecstasy pills in his pocket. He also has a criminal background that includes attempted murder and domestic battery.

Both men are in McLean County Jail.