A Galesburg man accused of sexually penetrating a 12 year old girl appeared in Knox County Circuit Court this afternoon on increased charges.
Thirty-six-year-old Benjamin Manning now faces five counts of predatory criminal sexual assault. Originally, Manning had faced four counts of lesser sex charges, though a Galesburg police report indicated he confessed to the sexual penetration late yesterday.
Manning was arrested yesterday after police responded to a domestic call in the 1200 block of E. Main St.
Upon arrival, a witness said Manning was caught trying to have sex with the girl who subsequently said the sexual advances had been going on for two months.
A previous charge indicated Manning and the victim are family members of some sort.
According to today’s charges, the sexual acts date back to July 1 of this year.
Judge Stephen Mathers set bond at $500,000 in the case and appointed a public defender, though Manning indicated he may seek private counsel. His next court date is Wednesday at 11 a.m.
