North suburban horse stable owner accused of sexually abusing teen employee: officials

RICHMOND, Ill. (WLS) -- The 52-year-old owner of a far north suburban horse stable has been accused of sexually abusing a teen female employee, the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office said Monday.

Raymond Krussell of Richmond has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault, distribution of harmful material to a minor and grooming in the case, the state's attorney's office said.

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The McHenry County Sheriff's Office began investigating Krussell, who owns Krussell Stables in Richmond, when a woman, who is now 18, reported that Krussell had sexually abused her while she worked at the stables, beginning when she was just 15, officials said.

The victim had taken riding lessons as a young child at the stables, officials said.

As she got older, she worked at the stables in exchange for expenses, officials said.

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Krussell allegedly groomed the child, sending her sexually explicit images of himself in text messages.

He's also accused of sexually assaulting her at least once a week when she was 16 to 17 years old, officials said.

Krussell appeared in court Friday, and was denied pre-trial release.

He will remain in McHenry County Jail, and is next due in court Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the sign was down at Krussell Stables. Phone calls made to the business were not returned; though horses and vehicles remained on the property.

One family who paid Krussell for riding lessons for their then-9-year-old daughter beginning back in 2011 is speaking out.

"It just makes me sick to my stomach to be honest with you," Robert Luce said.

Robert and Natalie Luce said they were with Krussell's barn for three-plus years before a falling out. They're thankful their instincts led them to part ways, and that their now 24-year-old daughter was not a victim.

"We've asked her a number of times since this news came out whether she happened to be this type of victim, and she insists that she was not. So I'm grateful for that," Robert Luce said.

Natalie Luce says the nature of the equestrian industry gives riding instructors a unique position with kids. And the charges Krussell faces are a breach of trust.

"You have high trust for these people; your children look up to them and respect them and really want their love and adoration. It's a little bit crazy the power these people can have over these kids," Natalie Luce said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or a similar incident involving the suspect is asked to file a report with local police or the McHenry County Sheriff's Office.