A La Salle man already facing up to 15 years in prison for allegedly accosting minors at a city park now faces up to 60 years for sexual assault and child pornography.
Michael E. Thomas, 56, had his bond increased Thursday from $40,000 to $200,000 after a grand jury returned two indictments for child pornography and predatory criminal sexual assault. Ordinarily, Class X felonies carry 6-30 years in prison with no possibility of probation but the sex assault count has an extended range of 6-60 years.
Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia set a Dec. 5 trial date not only for the new counts but for pending charges of indecent solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child. Those charges were filed after a June 2 incident at La Salle city park where Thomas allegedly exposed himself and asking “sexual favors” of minors at a La Salle city park.
Then, a grand jury returned the new charges stemming from May, when Thomas allegedly had sexual contact with a child photographed in a “lewd” pose.
Thursday, Assistant La Salle County State’s Attorney Jeremiah Adams filed a motion to increase bond, citing the severity of the new charges and four-fold increase in Thomas’s sentencing range.
Assistant Public Defender Doug Kramarsic said in response he would discuss bond with Thomas, who already was in custody, effectively reserving Thomas’ right to dispute the bond. Kramarsic deferred comment at the stage of the case.
Thomas will next appear Nov. 18 for a motions hearing.