Trial Begins for Man Facing Child Abuse Charges

By Brian L. Huchel
Commercial-News
July 10, 2012

http://commercial-news.com/local/x333933431/Trial-begins-for-man-facing-child-abuse-charges

DANVILLE — Courtroom proceedings began Tuesday in the trial of a Danville man accused of sexually abusing students while working as an associate pastor.

Vermilion County State's Attorney Randy Brinegar said opening arguments were presented Tuesday morning at the trial of 36-year-old Mark List of Danville. The trial could end as early as today, he said.

List is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault in a position of trust and indecent solicitation of a child. The crimes allegedly took place between Feb. 4, 2008, and Aug. 1, 2009.

Testimony early in the case by Danville police detectives indicated List is accused of sexually abusing a student at Danville Christian Academy while he was an associate pastor there.

Brinegar said the student will take the stand to testify during proceedings today.

The alleged incidents occurred at the academy, both in List's office and in the classroom both during and after school. The victim alleged situations ranging from List touching him in the genitals several times as they wrestled to the associate pastor following the student when he was excused to go to the bathroom and touching the teenager's genitals as the student urinated.

The victim told police the incidents began after his mother, who knew List through the Danville Christian Academy, asked List to talk to her son about sex. The teenager complained about the incidents to his mother, who then contacted school officials. The school contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services which in turn called Danville police.

List was arrested on Jan. 27, 2010, on the charges.

The criminal sexual assault charge is the most serious — a Class 1 felony punishable by a maximum of 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.