Ogle County Pastor Pleads Not Guilty to Sex Abuse of Minor

By Nick Crow
The Journal-Standard
January 29, 2014

http://www.journalstandard.com/article/20130629/NEWS/306299936/1994

A Crossroads Community Church pastor entered a not-guilty plea Friday to the charge of aggravated sexual abuse.

Charles Babler, 64, of Mount Morris has worked at the church’s Freeport and Polo campuses but is on administrative leave,

Babler entered the Ogle County Courthouse with his wife and sat quietly in Judge Robert T. Hanson’s courtroom.

Babler was arrested by sheriff’s deputies June 21 in the wake of an investigation of a 2011 incident in which police say he had contact with a person younger than 13.

According to court documents, sometime between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2011, Babler rubbed his genitalia against the minor’s foot for the purpose of arousal.

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a Class 2 felony. Probation is possible, and guilty offenders must register for mandatory lifetime classification as sexual predators.

Babler is being represented by attorney David D. Tess, who was unavailable for comment.

Also during the proceedings, Babler waived his right for a preliminary hearing, meaning that the session moved directly to arraignment, where Babler entered his plea and requested a trial by jury.

Conditions of Babler’s bail include no contact with anyone younger than 18 and surrendering his passport.