Illinois Family Members Accused of Sexual Abuse

Three members of a southern Illinois family are charged with sexually abusing young relatives.

Swansea Police Chief Mike Arnold says the abuse by came to light after a 36-year-old man's estranged wife spoke to police.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports the abuse may have begun in September 2009. Authorities say it involved girls who are now 16, 14 and 9 years old.

Arnold says the woman and her 19-year-old nephew are also charged.

The two men are charged with criminal sexual assault and abuse and the woman who spoke with police is charged with indecent solicitation of a child.

The Associated Press is withholding the names of the adults so as not to identify the children. The AP typically does not identify the victims of alleged sexual abuse.