Jon White Faces More Charges

Today the McLean County State's Attorney filed two counts of sexual assault against Jon White.  He says it happened while white was teaching first grade at Colene Hoose Elementary School in Normal.  White was arrested on the charges today at the Champaign County Courthouse. He was there to appear on 13 additional charges of sexual abuse in that county.

 The Champaign County State's Attorney originally charged White with three counts of sexual assault against students at Thomas Paine Elementary School.  Through the investigation, more girls came forward.   Now, nine at the school say White, in some way, sexually abused them.  The additional charges prompted the judge to raise White's bond to one million dollars.

Champaign County State's Attorney, Julia Rietz says, "bond was originally set at 500-thousand dollars with original three victims.  Our argument was that the circumstances have changed in light of additional victims and additional counts..we made that argument and judge accepted it and increased bond to 1 million dollars."

In addition, White also faces one million dollar bond in McLean County.  White's attorney, Carol Dison, says she doesn't know what the evidence is against White in either county.  Today, White pleaded not guilty to the charges in Champaign County and requested a jury trial.

If convicted on the three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, White could face 30 years in prison.  But because two or more victims are involved, it could increase to life in prison.

If convicted on the 13 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, White could face up to seven years in prison with probation.  But that sentence could double, if the court finds White was a person of "trust" at the time of the alleged abuse.