Cat set on fire, child sexually assaulted
Springfield, IL (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Nov 30, 2005
County: Sangamon
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Justin A. Copas
A 21-year-old Springfield man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 3-year-old boy on the afternoon of Aug 7, 2006. Justin A. Copas of the 1000 block of North First Street faces possible charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
The child's aunt reportedly told police she arrived at Copas' residence and found him fondling the boy. The aunt called the boy's mother, who then notified police.
The assault allegedly took place in Copas' bedroom in the basement of the house.
Copas was still in the house when police arrived, reports said.
According to State Journal-Register archives, Copas was arrested in December 2005 at the group home where he lives for allegedly burning a cat.
A police report indicated that Copas had been involved in an altercation with another resident who had flicked Copas' hamsters with his finger because they were biting each other. Copas demanded that the man be arrested.
However, he also allegedly admitted he found a stray cat in the area earlier and set its fur on fire because it bit him. A roommate confirmed that Copas burned the cat.
Copas told police at the time that he was on probation for aggravated arson. The status of the animal-cruelty case could not be determined Friday. References
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