Police sergeant charged with rapes in college town

[Janice]

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois (AP) -- A police sergeant was charged with four rapes dating back to 2002 Friday, two days after he was charged with stalking a woman who found him lurking outside her home.

In addition to the rape charges, Bloomington Sgt. Jeff Pelo, 41, faces two counts of home invasion and charges of aggravated stalking and attempted residential burglary.

Two of the rape victims identified Pelo from a photo lineup, and police found a mask, pry bar and other items in his home that appeared to have been used in at least one of the assaults, Assistant State's Attorney Mark Messman said.

Prosecutors have said the attacker was armed with a knife in one case and a gun in another.

Steve Skelton, Pelo's attorney, called Friday that the identifications were suspect.

"I don't think there's any believable reason he could be charged," Skelton said. "But I don't think under the circumstances that there's any likelihood of a conviction in this case because I'm firmly convinced today, as I was several weeks ago, of the innocence of my client."

Pelo made no comment during the brief hearing. His wife attended the hearing but left without comment, escorted by court security.

Associate Judge Rebecca Foley set his bail at $2 million.

Prosecutors declined to comment and said they would not release any additional information.

Pelo, a 17-year veteran of the department, was arrested June 11 after the woman reported him lurking outside her home. He was put on paid administrative leave after his arrest.

No details about the rape victims were immediately released.

The Bloomington area is home to Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan Universities.