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| Orpheum Manager Arrested on Felony Sex Charges |
The Monmouth man in charge of Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre faces felony charges for allegedly molesting a teenaged boy right on the theatre's stage.
Galesburg Police reports indicate 25-year old Josh Damewood turned himself in Saturday morning on two-felony counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. He posted bond and was released with a court date of January 28th.
Police say they first began investigating Damewood almost two weeks ago, after a 16-year old boy first alerted authorities.
Police say the boy was volunteering at the theatre when he asked Damewood about an audition, to which Damewood reportedly responded, "You'll owe me a favor if I tell you your part."
Damwewood allegedly later tried to kiss the boy, then later sat him in a chair and removed his clothes and performed a sex act -- all of which the boy told police and the Knox County Child Advocacy Center was unwanted.
The two later allegedly exchanged nude cell phone photos.
Damewood initially denied the allegations, but later reportedly told authorities that the boy wanted them.
Damewood -- long a volunteer at the Orpheum -- was given the title of Managing Director in August after serving in that capacity since April on an interim basis, following the departure of Kate Francis for a job in Saint Louis.
Authorities originally said it could be months before Damewood is arrested.
No word on what will happen to his position. The Knox County Civic Center Authority Board will likely discuss the situation in closed session, but by law, will have to take a public vote on the matter should they want to take action.
(Josh Damewood)
(Orpheum Theatre. File Photo.) |
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| 12 29 12 by Newsroom |
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