MOLINE, IL — A 41-year-old Illinois man has been arrested on rape charges after police say he was caught attempting to steal a backhoe, sparking an investigation that led to far more serious revelations.
According to WTHR, police responded to reports of a backhoe theft in progress near a construction site on 27th Street and soon located the suspect operating the machinery without authorization.
Once apprehended, the suspect was identified as 41-year-old Kenneth Brown, a Moline resident. Officers quickly discovered that Brown was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for sexual assault involving a woman he had known for several months.
From Equipment Theft to Rape Arrest
After detaining Brown at the scene, officers ran his identification through their system, uncovering that he was a suspect in a rape investigation initiated earlier this year.
“This wasn’t just a property crime—it unraveled into something much more disturbing,”
said Sgt. Rachel Whitman with the Moline Police Department, according to WTHR.
Investigators allege that Brown sexually assaulted the woman in her apartment, and she later came forward with a formal complaint. The warrant had been active for several weeks prior to his backhoe arrest.
Charges Filed
Kenneth Brown has now been formally charged with:
- Sexual assault
- Theft of construction equipment
- Trespassing
Police say more charges could be added as they continue reviewing surveillance footage and witness reports from both the alleged rape case and the backhoe incident.
Brown is currently being held in the Rock Island County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
Public Safety Concerns
Local residents expressed alarm over how long Brown remained at large, despite the serious nature of the allegations against him.
“It’s scary to think someone accused of rape could just be out here trying to steal equipment in broad daylight,” said one resident.
Police are urging the public to report any further suspicious activity connected to Brown or incidents at local job sites. Full coverage from WTHR
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