Sterling man charged with sexually assaulting girl younger than 18

STERLING – A 46-year-old Sterling man was in Whiteside County jail today on $100,000 bond, charged with sexually assaulting a girl younger than 18.

Christopher J. Sprague was charged in Whiteside County Court on Sept. 24 with criminal sexual assault, which carries at least 4 to 15 years in prison.

Sprague was arrested today at the Sterling Police Department, after an investigation that began in July, police said in a news release. No further details were provided.

According to court records, he was arraigned this afternoon and said he would hire a private attorney. He has a preliminary hearing Dec. 13.