Nearly two months after Trevor O’Donnell’s arrest on charges of sexually assaulting a minor family member and possessing child pornography, Hickory Hills police say no new evidence has emerged, and legal proceedings remain ongoing.
According to Deputy Police Chief Adam Gulczynski, there have been no additional charges or new evidence since the initial arrest late last year.
Investigators had posted about the case on the department’s Facebook page to notify the community and encourage any other potential victims to come forward. However, no additional victims have surfaced.
“The wheels of justice grind very slowly,” Gulczynski said, noting that O’Donnell’s legal proceedings are still in progress.
O’Donnell was taken into custody on December 26, 2024, after an investigation revealed electronic evidence linking him to child pornography.
He was later released under electronic monitoring, and his next court hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 10, at the Bridgeview Courthouse, Room 107.
The case was initially reported after the victim disclosed the abuse at school. School staff immediately contacted authorities, who then worked alongside the All Our Children’s Advocacy Center and the Cook County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to investigate.
Gulczynski emphasized the importance of these partnerships in handling cases involving minors. Trained child psychologists conducted interviews rather than law enforcement officers to ensure the victim’s well-being and gather statements in a trauma-informed manner.
Following the interviews, detectives recovered electronic evidence that led to additional charges of child pornography possession.
“The community plays a crucial role in reporting these crimes,” Gulczynski said. “Most people in Hickory Hills speak up when they see something concerning, and that’s how we’re able to investigate these cases.”
When asked how parents and guardians can help protect their children, Gulczynski advised maintaining open communication, teaching children about appropriate and inappropriate behavior, and ensuring they know who to turn to for help.
However, he acknowledged that cases like this—where a family member is the perpetrator—can make it difficult for victims to come forward.
“In this case, the child was able to trust a school staff member enough to speak up, and that made all the difference,” Gulczynski said.
The Hickory Hills Police Department continues to encourage victims of sexual abuse to seek help, emphasizing that resources are available. The department urges anyone with concerns about a child’s safety to report them to law enforcement or other trusted organizations. Those in need of support can also reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.
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