Bond has been set at $50,000 for a 56-year-old Vandalia man formally charged in Marion County Court on Friday with a Class One Felony of criminal sexual assault.
Dewayne Elam of 250th Street later posted a $5,000 cash bond at the Marion County Jail and was released. Elam told Judge Mark Stedelin he would hire his own attorney. His first appearance with private counsel will be on December 15th.
Salem Police Detectives arrested Elam following an investigation into an incident at the home of a 42-year-old Salem woman who said Elam forced his way into the home after she opened the door. He’s accused of committing a sexual act against the woman before leaving the residence. The woman then called the police and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Police say no weapons were involved. No one else was in the home at the time.
Police report the woman had been on a date with the man earlier from a dating site and had his phone number from text messages, but not his whole name. Police were able to trace the number back to Elam. He was then placed in a line-up and was picked out by the alleged victim.
Elam was taken into custody after agreeing to meet a Salem Police Department detective at the Vandalia Police Department Thursday night and brought back to the Marion County Jail.
Elam told police he did not force his way into the home and the sex was consensual.
This story was updated following the first court appearance and release from jail.
