Owner of Richmond Equestrian Center Suspended After Arrest for Child Sexual Assault

Raymond Krussell, 52, charged with sexually abusing a minor employee over a year-long period

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The owner of Krussell Stables, an equestrian center in Richmond, Illinois, has been suspended from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) after being arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a child employee. Raymond Krussell, 52, is accused of sexually abusing a female victim, who was under 18 years old at the time, while she worked at his business between 2024 and 2025.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of minors working in industries with power imbalances, as well as the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in organizations like the USEF to protect young participants. It also raises concerns about the vetting process for individuals in positions of authority over children.

The details

According to prosecutors, Krussell first met the victim when she was a young child taking riding lessons at his stables. He later employed her, and over the course of a year, allegedly sent her sexually explicit images, groomed her, and sexually assaulted her at least once per week when she was 16 and 17 years old. Krussell has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, criminal sexual assault of a child, manufacturing harmful material, and grooming.

  • The alleged abuse began in January 2024 when the victim was 16 years old.
  • The abuse continued until February 2025 when the victim was 17 years old.
  • Krussell was arrested and charged earlier this month.

The players

Raymond Krussell

The 52-year-old owner of Krussell Stables, an equestrian center in Richmond, Illinois, who has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor employee.

Krussell Stables

An equestrian training center in Richmond, Illinois that specialized in American Saddlebred horses and saddleseat riding lessons. The business has been temporarily closed since Krussell's arrest.

United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)

The national governing body for equestrian sports in the United States, which has suspended Krussell from his roles as a licensed professional and judge with the organization.

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What they’re saying

“Any member of the public who has information regarding the crime or similar crimes involving Krussell is asked to file a report with their local law enforcement agency.”

— Randi Freese, McHenry County State's Attorney (lakemchenryscanner.com)

What’s next

Krussell is set to appear in court again on Friday for a preliminary hearing, where a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the charges against him.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater oversight and safeguards in industries that involve minors, as well as the importance of swift action by authorities and professional organizations to suspend individuals accused of such serious crimes in order to protect vulnerable young people.