A Sterling man has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of possessing images of child sexual abuse.

Richard E. Sales, 69, entered his not guilty plea Thursday in Whiteside County Circuit Court. The charges, all Class X felonies, were filed on Monday and were alleged to have occurred on May 5, 2025.

Prosecutors filed a motion to detain Sales, which was granted, and he was remanded to the Whiteside County Jail.

His next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is set for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 2.