A trial date has been set for a Hamilton man accused of sexual abuse of a minor.
August Dion Gregory, 44, appeared before Judge Richard Gambrell, this morning, for a pre-trial hearing at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage.
Gregory’s lawyer, Stephen Morris of Hamilton, used the hearing to request more time to review the evidence in the case.
Hancock County State’s Attorney Jim Drozdz responded by saying the people were ready to proceed to trial.
Judge Gambrell denied the continuance and ordered Gregory’s trial to begin at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, March 19th at the courthouse.
Morris says there are a number of cases already on the docket for the 19th, so it is unclear if his client’s trial will get started that day.
Gregory pled not guilty to the eight felony counts against him during a prior hearing.
The charges consist of Criminal Sexual Abuse, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse and Criminal Sexual Assault.
Gregory is alleged to have had inappropriate contact with a minor sometime between Sept. 1, 2011 and Dec. 2, 2011.
Judge Gambrell told Gregory, who is out on bail, that he must show up for trial or the proceedings could begin without him and an arrest warrant would be issued.
Gregory resigned from the Hamilton School Board following his arrest late last year.
