Police: Softball coach abused female player at Vernon Hills sports facility

Vernon Hills police are searching for a man they say improperly touched a girl while coaching her at softball.

Authorities have issued a warrant for Eduardo “Eddie” Acosta-Gonzalez, a 54-year-old Hoffman Estates resident, for two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The incidents took place at a Vernon Hills sports performance facility where Acosta-Gonzalez rented space. Police said he was coaching a girl and, on two occasions this spring and summer, he inappropriately touched her while giving her a massage.

Police began an investigation after a complaint to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

A warrant was issued last week, but so far police have not been able to locate Acosta-Gonzalez, and he may have left the state, authorities said.

Youth sports programs known to be affiliated with him have been notified, but police said there may be other programs unknown to police, and he may have had access to other young athletes.

He offered coaching services throughout the Chicago area, but was mostly centered in Wauconda and Vernon Hills, police said.

Anyone with information regarding Acosta-Gonzalez’ whereabouts is asked to contact the Vernon Hills Police Investigations Division at (847) 918-5605 or via email at pdtips@vhills.org.