A former employee of a Chicago community center is facing felony charges after prosecutors allege he posed as a basketball coach to build a relationship with a teenage boy before sending him sexually inappropriate messages, according to WGN News.
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THE WORD:
Suspect: Andre Jackson, 56, of Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood.
Charges: Felony charges related to indecent solicitation, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and grooming.
Victim: A 15-year-old boy who was allegedly first approached when he was 13.
Location: The Salvation Army-operated Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in West Pullman.
Arrest: Jackson was arrested on October 26, 2026, and a judge ordered him detained pending trial.
Investigation: Chicago police are asking potential additional victims to come forward.
Andre Jackson, 56, is accused of targeting a boy he first met during a basketball workout at an elementary school in 2024, when the child was 13 years old, according to court records reported by local news outlets.
Prosecutors allege Jackson introduced himself to the boy as “Coach Dre” and said he wanted to help him develop his basketball skills. The two reportedly reconnected in late 2025 at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood.
Jackson allegedly encouraged the teenager to join an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball team that could provide opportunities for college exposure and scholarships. However, investigators reportedly found no evidence that Jackson had an actual team he was coaching.
Authorities allege Jackson began communicating with the teen through phone calls and text messages, contacting him almost daily for months. Prosecutors say the conversations gradually became sexual in nature.
According to court documents, Jackson allegedly asked the boy to send pictures of his body, suggested they shower together and made inappropriate comments about massaging him while naked.
Prosecutors also allege Jackson offered to buy the teenager expensive basketball shoes and other gifts, including a truck, as he attempted to build a relationship with the boy.
The allegations reportedly came to light in August after the teenager’s mother overheard him speaking with Jackson on the phone late at night. Concerned about the relationship, she later checked her son’s phone and discovered messages that raised serious concerns. The family subsequently contacted authorities.
Jackson was arrested on October 26 by Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force. He appeared in court on October 28, when a judge ordered him detained while the case proceeds. He is scheduled to return to court on November 18.
Jackson was formerly employed at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, which is operated by The Salvation Army.
In a statement, The Salvation Army said it was aware of an incident involving a former employee and takes the matter seriously. The organization also emphasized that the well-being of young people participating in its programs is a priority.
Investigators are concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet reported their experiences. Chicago police are asking anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been victimized by Jackson to contact the department’s Special Investigations Unit at 312-492-3810.
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Jackson remains accused of the alleged offenses, and the charges have not been proven in court.
