BLOOMINGTON, IL – A Bloomington woman has been sentenced to 95 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a harrowing investigation into child sexual assault and the production of child pornography. On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Sarah Troutwine (also known as Sarah Howard) received the decades-long sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a 2024 investigation that uncovered disturbing crimes against children and animals.
The case began on August 29, 2024, when the Bloomington Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit launched an investigation after receiving a tip from a technology company. The company had submitted a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about uploaded and shared videos suspected to be child sexual abuse material.
Working closely with NCMEC, detectives from the BPD Criminal Investigations Division executed a series of search warrants that led to the recovery of evidence implicating Troutwine in multiple sexual offenses. Among the evidence was video footage of Troutwine sexually assaulting a child, engaging in sexual acts with an animal, and possessing additional material categorized as child pornography.
After the search warrants were executed and charges were finalized, Troutwine was arrested by members of the BPD Street Crimes Unit without incident.
In May 2025, Troutwine entered a guilty plea to two counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child and one count of Child Pornography Production. The severity of the charges, the volume of evidence, and the nature of the crimes prompted a decisive ruling by the court.
She was sentenced to a total of 95 years in prison:
- 40 years for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (must serve 85%)
- 40 years for a second count of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault (must serve 85%)
- 15 years for Child Pornography Production (must serve 50%)
The sentences are to be served consecutively, meaning Troutwine will not be eligible for parole until the year 2100.
Law Enforcement and Community Reaction
In a statement following the sentencing, Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington praised the work of the BPD and the broader law enforcement network:
“The conduct this criminal investigation unveiled was substantial. The judge’s sentencing sends an impactful message to our community that this type of dangerous behavior will not be tolerated,” said Chief Simington. “From the initial investigation through the prosecutorial process, I commend the diligent efforts of all who made our city safer. Although the work of our officers is hard, laborious, and stressful, we seek to bring justice to victims and protect those who are not able to protect themselves from harm.”
The Bloomington Police Department is a proactive member of the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a coalition dedicated to combating child exploitation on digital platforms. The department regularly receives CyberTips from NCMEC and works in close collaboration with other local, state, and federal agencies to pursue leads and hold perpetrators accountable.
Public Awareness and Support
To share crime tips locally and remain anonymous, residents may contact the Crime & Intelligence Analysis Unit (CIAU) at 309-434-2963 or email CIAU@cityblm.org. Tips can also be sent by texting the number 847411, typing “BPDTIPS”, followed by a space and the tip information.
Please note: The tip line is not monitored 24/7. The CIAU office is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A Strong Message of Justice
The outcome of this case stands as a powerful reminder that crimes against children will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. The Bloomington Police Department has reiterated its ongoing commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting such cases to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.
As the city of Bloomington moves forward, this landmark sentencing sends a clear message: child exploitation will not go unanswered, and justice will be served.
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