Judge Mark Stedelin set bond at $500,000 Friday afternoon for a 26-year-old Salem man who has been charged with nine Class X counts of predatory criminal sexual assault.
Salem Police arrested Devon Gibbs of South Marion Street for alleged sexual acts against 7, 8, and 10-year-old females over a period of time spanning from January 2020 through last week.
The nine charges involve four counts against one child, three against another, and two against the third. They include various alleged activities during different periods of time.
Each of the Class X charges carries a potential prison term of six to 30 years in prison. The public defender was appointed to represent Gibbs. If released on bond, Gibbs was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim or anyone under the age of 18.
Salem Police Detectives say they began their investigation after one of the alleged victim’s parents notified them after their child had come forward about what had happened to her. As the investigation continued, the two other girls came forward.
At this point, police are unaware of any other potential victims.
Gibbs was stopped by Greenville Police on Thursday. They were aware Salem Police wanted him for questioning. Salem Police returned him to their department where he was arrested following questioning.
