Bond was set at $750,000 in Marion County Court Monday for a 35-year-old St. Louis man who faces aggravated kidnapping and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse to a 15-year-old Salem girl.
The new charges against Courtney Buffkins follow the alleged victim talking to Salem Police and providing information on an alleged kidnapping and four incidents of aggravated criminal sexual abuse on five different visits to Salem that began in February 2020.
Buffkins had originally been charged last week with felony obstruction justice after allegedly being discovered in a motel room with the girl after giving police a false name. At the time the alleged victim would not provide any details. That changed during a Friday interview. His bond at that time was set at $10,000.
The aggravated kidnapping charge states in February or March of last year by force, or threat of force, Buffkins carried the juvenile to another location with the intent to secretly confine her against her will and commit aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
The aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges claim Buffkins committed a sex act with the alleged victim in February/March 2020, as well as October 9th through 11th, October 15th to 17th, and October 29th to 31st of this year.
Buffkins had the public defender appointed to represent him on the new charges. He was ordered to have no contact with any minor under 18 if he posts bond.
A preliminary hearing in the case is set for December 7th.
Based on the new information, Coles County Court has already revoked Buffkins bond on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault that allegedly occurred in that county. He faces sentencing in Cumberland County on a criminal sexual abuse charge he has entered a guilty plea in January.
