Carthage, IL – August Dion Gregory, 44, of Hamilton appeared with his attorney, Stephen Morris, before Judge Heidi Benson in district court at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage, IL.
Gregory waived his right to a preliminary hearing and pled not guilty to the eight felony counts against him.
Hancock County State's Attorney Jim Drozdz says waiving that hearing should not be construed as an admission of guilt.
He says the hearing would have been used to determine if there was probable cause to proceed.
Gregory has been charged with Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse and Criminal Sexual Abuse.
He is alleged to have had inappropriate contact with a minor sometime between September 1, 2011 - December 2, 2011.
Gregory was arrested by the Hamilton Police Department earlier this month.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, February 27th.
Benson says Gregory, who is out on bail, must appear at that pre-trial conference.
Drozdz says that hearing will be used to determine the direction of the case, be it a jury trial, a bench trial, or a continuation.
Gregory resigned from the Hamilton School Board following his arrest.