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Bond Reduced, but More Victims Come Forward, in Retired Cop's Sexual Assault Case
A 76-year old retired Galesburg police officer accused of sexually assaulting two of his granddaughters had his bond reduced in Knox County Wednesday.

Circuit Court Judge Dwayne Morrison lowered it by three-fourths, to $25,000-dollars. Defense Attorney Bill Butts pushed for a recognizance bond at Wednesday morning's bond reduction hearing, citing his client's health, age, and local ties to the community.

But Morrison said that would send the wrong message, given the seriousness of the allegations. The judge said Friend's monthly retirement pension and limited expenses should make meeting bail more obtainable.

Friend is being charged with 3 felony-counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, stemming from allegations he molested two underage relatives in the summer of 2008 and 2010.

However, the court learned Wednesday there may be more victims. Special Prosecutor Lorinda Lamken indicated she would be filing for a propensity motion to have victims alleging abuse from 1982 and 2002 testify at trial.

Butts immediately objected, asking for such discussion to be held within closed chambers, and not in the presence of the media. Judge Morrison reminded Butts the motions are publicly filed, and therefore, public knowledge.

Lamken says there are substantial similarities between the current allegations and the accusations from 1982 and 2002.

A preliminary hearing is next scheduled for February 21st.
02 02 12 by Newsroom
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