Carthage, IL –
CAUTION : Some of the content of this story is graphic in nature and could be upsetting or unsuitable for young readers
August Dion Gregory, 44, of Hamilton made his initial court appearance Thursday morning at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage.
He was arrested on Saturday, December 3 by the Hamilton Police Department.
Gregory faces a total of eight counts of Criminal Sexual Assault (3), Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (4), and Criminal Sexual Abuse (1).
Each count is considered a felony.
According to court records, Gregory placed his mouth on the genitalia of a child, age 13-16, sometime between Sept. 1 - Dec. 2.
He is also accused of touching or fondling the genitalia of the same child for the purpose of sexual gratification during that same time frame.
Gregory's next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20. He could enter a plea at that time.
The most serious charges against Gregory are the three counts of Criminal Sexual Assault.
They are Class 1 Felonies that carry maximum sentences of up to 15 years in prison.
The Hancock County State's Attorney's Office says it used different methods to charge Gregory for the same offense or offenses.
State's Attorney Jim Drozdz says that means the potential penalties would be much less than they would be if each charge was based on a different incident.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Joe Yurko says Gregory has resigned from the Hamilton School Board, effective Tuesday, December 6.
Gregory's photo on the school board's website has been replaced by a black box with the words, open seat, in white letters.