A Galesburg man is held at the Knox County jail on $1 million bond following accusations that he sexually assaulted a 60-year-old woman at Lake Storey Park.
Police arrested 29-year-old Wesley E. England yesterday. He faces one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault and one count of criminal sexual assault.
The aggravated charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
During England’s bond hearing today, State’s Attorney John Pepmeyer told the court a 60-year-old woman had been walking on a paved foot trail near the soccer fields at Lake Storey when she was approached by England.
Based on police interviews with witnesses and the victim, England forced the woman into a nearby dirt trail and proceeded to sexually assault her.
Police responded to the emergency call after 10 a.m. yesterday and England was arrested shortly thereafter.
Pepmeyer says England told police he had consent from the victim, but said he could see how the woman would have felt she was in danger.
The defendant is scheduled to appear again in court with his public defender at 11 a.m. Friday.
England also faces three counts of aggravated battery and one count of battery for fondling a woman at least 60 years old in August.
Judge Thomas Ewing presided over today’s hearing.
