Bluford man arrested on child abuse charge

BLUFORD, Ill., (KBSI) — A Bluford man was arrested this week on a charge of aggravated battery to a child under the age of 13, authorities said.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Children and Family Services launched an investigation Aug. 18 after receiving a hotline tip about possible abuse at a residence on Two Mile Creek Lane. Investigators alleged the case involved serious battery to an 11-year-old family member.

Following the investigation, deputies arrested 32-year-old Nickolis F. Pavlovich on Aug. 21. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail ahead of a pre-trial detention hearing.

Pavlovich appeared in court Friday and was released pending trial. He is considered innocent until proven guilty.