A Viola man arrested in August on felony charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault and sexual abuse was released on a recognizance bond Monday.
James Haley was arrested last August and has been held in Mercer County Jail since on $500,000 bail.
The 16-felony counts against Haley are related to allegations involving a 15-year-old girl.
Judge Peter Church granted Haley’s motion for a recognizance bond, meaning he will get to prepare his case outside of jail, as long as he shows up for scheduled court dates.
If Haley misses dates or violates other terms he could be fined up to $500,000.
Other conditions attached to his release are he’s to have contact with victim and no contact with anyone under the age of 18 aside from immediate family.
He’s also barred from leaving the State of Illinois.
Mercer County State’s Attorney Meeghan Lee has said federal prosecutors are reviewing Haley’s case and he could be charged in U.S. District Court.
But for now Haley’s next date in Mercer County Court is a pre-trial conference on June 15.
