DECATUR — Kelly J. Hunter pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he sexually assaulted a woman in front of a child younger than 10.
Hunter, 47, told Macon County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Geisler that he was entering not guilty pleas on charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault causing bodily harm and two counts of domestic battery.
Decatur police patrol officer Philip Ganley, giving evidence under questioning from Macon County State’s Attorney Jay Scott, said the assault happened Aug. 7 in the victim's home.
Ganley said Hunter had first punched the woman in the face, then forced her to her knees and made her commit a sex act against her will.
He said the child was present during the act and, without being asked, came forward and made a statement that confirmed the victim’s version of events.
Defense attorney David Ellison asked Ganley if there were any additional witnesses to what had taken place, and the officer replied the child was the only other person who saw the incident.
Geisler found probable cause to try Hunter on the charges and set a pretrial hearing for Oct. 1 in his courtroom. Hunter remained in the Macon County Jail on Wednesday in lieu of $250,000 bond.
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