(BCRNews.com) – Ryan Luecke, 30, of Peru, recreation coordinator for the Bureau County Metro Center, has been charged with the Class 2 felony of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child.
On Wednesday, Bureau County State’s Attorney Patrick Herrmann said a warrant for Luecke’s arrest was issued Monday by Circuit Judge Marc Bernabei. The judge set bond for Luecke at $25,000 with the condition Luecke have no contact with the victim.
Luecke turned himself in to the Bureau County Jail on Tuesday and posted bond.
Herrmann said Luecke is accused of allegedly having a sexual contact with a male juvenile during the summer of 2012. The sexual act involved fondling over clothing.
A Bureau County grand jury will hear the merits of the case against Luecke on Dec. 11. If Luecke is indicted by the grand jury, an arraignment will be scheduled, at which time Luecke would enter either a not guilty or guilty plea.
If convicted of the Class 2 felony, Luecke could be sentenced to three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The Class 2 felony is also a probational offense, which could include up to six months in the Bureau County Jail, Herrmann said.
The investigation into Luecke continues by the Princeton Police Department, Herrmann said. There is always the possibility that more victims could be involved. If parents have a concern, they can talk with their child or they may contact the Princeton Police Department to help with an interview with the child, the state’s attorney said.
On Wednesday, Princeton Police Chief Tom Root said this incident occurred between June 1, 2012, and Sept. 1, 2012, during summer camp at the Metro Center.
The investigation is continuing and other charges are pending, Root said. If anyone has any further information concerning this case, they are asked to contact Investigator John Shofner at the Princeton Police Department at 815-875-2351.
Elaine Russell, executive director of the Bureau County Metro Center and Princeton Park District, issued the following press release Wednesday morning addressing the arrest:
“The Bureau County Metro Center has received word that one of its employees has been arrested on a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The Bureau County Metro Center is cooperating fully with the investigation. The Metro Center has always strived for honesty, integrity and high moral standards in all of its programs and employees. Our promise to you is that we are committed to maintaining the public trust in the Bureau County Metro Center and the Princeton Park District. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Princeton Police Department.”
In addition to his employment at the Metro Center, Luecke has also been a coach at Cherry Grade School.
(republished with permission from the Bureau County Republican)
