A St. Clair County man is facing multiple felony sex charges in Monroe County.

Three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor were filed Thursday in Monroe County Circuit Court against James L. Goodwin, 82, of Belleville.

The charges state that between Nov. 9, 2023, and Nov. 9, 2025, Goodwin allegedly “intentionally touched” two victims, both females who were under the age of 13 during the incidents.

Two of the counts allege incidents occurring in Maeystown. One count alleges an offense occurred at RMC Cinemas, 113 Plaza Drive, Waterloo.

Court information states Goodwin knew the victims and he was in a “position of trust” with the children.

During a pretrial detention hearing Friday, Goodwin entered a not guilty plea and was ordered to be held at the Monroe County Jail and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation by Dr. Daniel Cuneo.

He is being represented by attorney Art Morris.

The charges against Goodwin are all Class 1 felonies. 

In a press release, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department said it received a report on Nov. 9 from a victim’s family member alleging inappropriate contact.

“Through extensive interviews, evidence review, and coordinated investigative efforts, investigators determined the juveniles had been subjected to inappropriate touching over an extended period of time,” the MCSD press release states.

Investigators ultimately identified sufficient evidence to support formal charges against Goodwin.

On Thursday, MSCD investigators were assisted by the Belleville Police Department and Illinois State Police in locating Goodwin at a coffee shop on East Main Street in Belleville. After investigators conducted surveillance, Goodwin exited the business and was taken into custody without further incident.

Goodwin was transported to the Monroe County Jail, where he remains. A preliminary hearing has been set for Dec. 18.

According to an article in the Belleville News-Democrat, Goodwin is a former Belleville police captain. 

He spent more than 30 years with the Belleville Police Department, beginning in the 1970s and continuing into the 2000s. Goodwin became Belleville’s chief of detectives in 1993, the BND article states.