Man charged with exposing himself for the third time in less than a year

Police say a Fairview Heights man has been arrested for a third time in less than a year in relation to allegations that he exposed himself at a public business.

On Monday, Kendall J. Collins, 21, of 12 Hermitage Drive was charged with public indecency and resisting a police officer by St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly.

According to police reports, Collins on Saturday exposed himself to a customer at the Schnuck’s grocery store at 625 Lincoln Highway. The customer tried to walk away to another part of the store. But Collins followed her.

Officers arrived at the supermarket and surrounded Collins who allegedly struggled for a short time before giving up.

Collins previously was arrested Oct. 16 for exposing himself at Marshall’s department store on Illinois 159 in Fairview Heights. On Dec. 2, he was arrested on allegations of exposing himself as well as possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia for a similar incident at the nearby Kohl’s department store.

According to St. Clair County court records, both previous cases are still pending.

All the charges are misdemeanors. However, according to Illinois law: “A person convicted of a third or subsequent violation for public indecency is guilty of a Class 4 felony.”

Public indecency can also be a felony if it is committed by a person over 18 years old within 500 feet of elementary or secondary school grounds when children are present.

Police Department Lt. Mike Houget said authorities are working together to try to put an end to Collins’ behavior.

“The Fairview Heights Police Department is working closely with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office (on) this case,” Hoguet said.

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 7:19 AM with the headline "Man charged with exposing himself for the third time in less than a year."