Crystal Lake Man Charged with Grooming and Sexually Exploiting Child

Authorities say the 58-year-old man sent explicit messages to a juvenile victim and gave her gifts in an attempt to lure her into a sexual relationship.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A 58-year-old Crystal Lake man has been arrested and charged with grooming and sexually exploiting a child after authorities discovered he had been sending the juvenile victim explicit sexual messages, telling her he loved her, and providing her with gifts and electronics in an attempt to lure her into a sexual relationship. The man, Clicerio Alvarez-Mascote, allegedly communicated with the child for over a year without her mother's knowledge, and a judge has ordered him detained pending trial, citing his inability to control his sexual urges towards the minor.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of child sexual exploitation and the need for greater awareness and vigilance to protect vulnerable young people from predatory adults. It also raises concerns about the ease with which perpetrators can use technology to groom and manipulate children, even within their own homes.

The details

According to court documents, Alvarez-Mascote lived in the same residence as the victim for a significant period of time, though he was not related to her. He allegedly communicated with the girl, who was under 13 years old, through text messages, social media, and an instant messaging app, sending her explicit sexual language and instructions, as well as offering her cash, gifts, and new electronics like a cellphone and computer. Alvarez-Mascote also invited the child to his bedroom and told her he would pass by her room to smell her perfume. When interviewed by police, Alvarez-Mascote admitted that he knew his actions were wrong but said he "could not stop himself."

  • On February 5, 2026, the victim's mother reported Alvarez-Mascote's actions to the Crystal Lake Police Department.
  • The following morning, the Crystal Lake Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit began investigating the case and obtained felony charges after reviewing the evidence with the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.
  • Alvarez-Mascote was taken into custody without incident on February 6, 2026 and transported to the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock.
  • On February 7, 2026, a judge granted a petition to detain Alvarez-Mascote pending trial, citing his inability to control his sexual urges towards the minor victim.
  • Alvarez-Mascote is scheduled to appear in court again on March 3, 2026 for a preliminary hearing.

The players

Clicerio Alvarez-Mascote

A 58-year-old man from Crystal Lake, Illinois who has been charged with grooming and sexually exploiting a child under the age of 13.

Crystal Lake Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the case and arrested Alvarez-Mascote.

McHenry County State's Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial agency that reviewed the evidence and filed felony charges against Alvarez-Mascote.

Judge Cynthia Lamb

The McHenry County judge who granted a petition to detain Alvarez-Mascote pending trial, citing his inability to control his sexual urges towards the minor victim.

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What they’re saying

“Such conduct was a form of stalking the child within her own home. Defendant's conduct and frequent messages were intended to solicit, seduce, lure, and entice the child to engage in a romantic and sexual relationship with him for his own sexual gratification.”

— Judge Cynthia Lamb, McHenry County Judge (Court documents)

“For more than a year, Defendant's own sexual desires toward a minor child overcame his rational thoughts. This clearly and convincingly demonstrates Defendant's inability to manage his feelings and control his own behavior, instead acting impulsively without regard for any negative consequences or risk of harm to the child.”

— Judge Cynthia Lamb, McHenry County Judge (Court documents)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 3, 2026 whether to allow Alvarez-Mascote to be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for greater education, awareness, and protective measures to safeguard children from predatory adults who seek to exploit and sexually abuse them, even within their own homes. It highlights the importance of vigilant parenting, robust law enforcement investigations, and strong judicial intervention to prevent such crimes and protect vulnerable youth.