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The case of a man accused of sexually abusing a boy in Lansing has been bound over for trial.
Stephen Michael Russell faces three counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2007 when he was the boyfriend of the victim’s mother.
A judge ordered the case to be bound over following a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Leavenworth County District Court.
The victim, who is now 14, was the only witness during Tuesday’s hearing.
He testified about three incidents of alleged abuse that occurred in August, September and October 2007 when he was 11 and 12. He said Russell was in his early 30s at the time.
The boy said there had been other incidents of sexual abuse dating back to when he was 8 years old.
Russell had been charged with one count of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties. But based on the testimony, District Judge Gunnar Sundby said he could bind over Russell on the existing count of aggravated criminal sodomy as well as two additional counts of aggravated criminal sodomy but not the two indecent liberties charges.
Assistant County Attorney Michael Jones agreed to amend the charges.
Arraignment was scheduled for Aug. 6. Russell will be asked to enter a plea at that time.
Russell remains in custody at the Leavenworth County Jail. Court documents indicate he is a Paola resident.
The case of a man accused of sexually abusing a boy in Lansing has been bound over for trial.
Stephen Michael Russell faces three counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2007 when he was the boyfriend of the victim’s mother.
A judge ordered the case to be bound over following a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Leavenworth County District Court.
The victim, who is now 14, was the only witness during Tuesday’s hearing.
He testified about three incidents of alleged abuse that occurred in August, September and October 2007 when he was 11 and 12. He said Russell was in his early 30s at the time.
The boy said there had been other incidents of sexual abuse dating back to when he was 8 years old.
Russell had been charged with one count of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties. But based on the testimony, District Judge Gunnar Sundby said he could bind over Russell on the existing count of aggravated criminal sodomy as well as two additional counts of aggravated criminal sodomy but not the two indecent liberties charges.
Assistant County Attorney Michael Jones agreed to amend the charges.
Arraignment was scheduled for Aug. 6. Russell will be asked to enter a plea at that time.
Russell remains in custody at the Leavenworth County Jail. Court documents indicate he is a Paola resident.
