An Illinois man accused of child sex assault waived his preliminary hearing in Douglas County Circuit Court on Wednesday, May 12.
Bryan Everette Smith, 44, faces one count of repeated sexual assault of the same child.
Smith groomed and sexually assaulted a minor on multiple occasions in a Douglas County residence over several years, according to the complaint. When interviewed by detectives with the Peoria County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office, Smith reportedly admitted having sex with the victim more than 10 times.
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He told detectives that he was concerned that many people were making false reports of sexual assaults and felt he needed to “give in” to the victim and have sex with her so that she could not make a false report. When recalling one incident, Smith reportedly blamed the victim for coming on to him.
Cash bond of $75,000 was set for Smith and he was ordered to have no contact with minors or the victim.
Smith's next court appearance was set for July 12. The Class B felony carries a maximum penalty of 60 years of imprisonment.
