Former South Suburban Police Officer Charged with Sexual Assault of Child

Tory Bridgeforth arrested for criminal sexual assault and solicitation of child sexual abuse material while out on bond for prior charges

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

A 40-year-old former police officer for the Dixmoor and Robbins Police Departments in suburban Chicago was arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault and solicitation of child sexual abuse material. Tory Bridgeforth was taken into custody after authorities received a tip about him having a sexual relationship with a minor and requesting and receiving nude photos from a juvenile victim.

Why it matters

The case highlights the serious issue of law enforcement officials abusing their positions of power and trust to sexually exploit minors. It also raises concerns about the criminal justice system's ability to adequately monitor and prevent repeat offenses by those out on bond for similar charges.

The details

On February 26, Cook County Sheriff's Police Investigators received a tip about Bridgeforth having a sexual relationship with a minor. Investigators learned that Bridgeforth had requested and received nude photos from a juvenile victim and that he had sexual contact with the victim. Bridgeforth was taken into custody on March 4 and charged the following day with criminal sexual assault and solicitation of child sexual abuse material. He was out on a $500,000 bond for possession of child sexual abuse material charges that resulted from an arrest in 2021, and his bench trial was scheduled for March 5, one day after his most recent arrest.

  • On February 26, 2026, Cook County Sheriff's Police Investigators received a tip about Bridgeforth.
  • On March 4, 2026, Bridgeforth was taken into custody.
  • On March 5, 2026, Bridgeforth's bench trial for prior charges was scheduled, but he did not attend due to his new arrest.

The players

Tory Bridgeforth

A 40-year-old former police officer for the Dixmoor Police Department and the Robbins Police Department who was arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault and solicitation of child sexual abuse material.

Cook County Sheriff's Police

The law enforcement agency that received a tip about Bridgeforth and conducted the investigation leading to his arrest.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The organization that provided the tip to Cook County Sheriff's Police that led to Bridgeforth's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“On Feb. 26, Cook County Sheriff's Police Investigators received a tip about Bridgeforth having a sexual relationship with a minor, authorities said.”

— Authorities (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

Bridgeforth is being held in Cook County Jail, and his case will proceed through the criminal justice system. The judge will determine whether to allow him to be released on bond again or to remain in custody until his trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust oversight and accountability measures within law enforcement to prevent officers from exploiting their positions of power to sexually abuse minors. It also highlights the challenges the criminal justice system faces in monitoring and preventing repeat offenses by those out on bond for similar charges.