In 2025, an Ogle County jury determined that the Pedophile, Ray Gough, 72, remains a sexually dangerous individual. This is an uncommon charge necessitating his incarceration until a psychiatric evaluation ascertains that he no longer poses a danger.
In 1999, Gough was charged with the molestation of two boys, as per court documents. Since then, three additional victims have emerged, alleging that Ray Gough sexually assaulted them at his horse farm throughout their childhood.
Ray Gough was convicted in 1991 for severe criminal sexual abuse of a 6-year-old boy.
He petitioned for a retrial and was granted one in 2004 following a Supreme Court decision about his assertion that he was denied a prompt trial due to the absence of multiple witnesses.
In November 2014, Ray Gough was convicted of being a Sexually Dangerous Person after self-representation in court. Individuals designated as Sexually Dangerous Persons are required to file a recovery application biennially.
In 2020, Ray Gough filed an application and requested a jury trial.
On Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, a jury reviewed the findings of a socio-psychiatric report from a licensed evaluator and determined that Ray Gough still suffered from a mental illness and was likely to re-offend.
“I’m very happy that the Ogle County Jury determined that the respondent remains sexually dangerous and that he stay in the Illinois Department of Corrections,” Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock said of the verdict. “I also prosecuted the respondent in 2014 and I am grateful that the respondent’s victims can continue to feel safe.”
The State’s Attorney’s Office says Ray Gough will remain in the Illinois Department of Corrections in treatment until a time that he is deemed not to be sexually dangerous.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.