Former Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon has been released from custody on pretrial conditions as he awaits further court action on seven counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of two girls under the age of 18.
Judge Mark Stedelin agreed to the release of Cannon after a hearing Wednesday on a motion to reconsider an earlier decision by Stedelin and another judge to hold him without bond.
The conditions of release include being on GPS monitoring at his home. He will not be allowed to leave the residence without being with someone pre-approved by the court. He is also barred from having contact with anyone under the age of 18.
Cannon’s attorney Brian Wernsman had suggested the restrictions Judge Stedelin imposed. He also states in the motion to reconsider that the prosecution has failed to present sufficient evidence that Cannon in fact committed the alleged offenses and has failed to meet its burden that Cannon was a real and present danger to any person or the community. The motion also noted Cannon has no prior criminal history, has significant health issues, and the allegations do not indicate a ‘stranger’ attack. Wernsman added that Cannon has been a long-time resident of the area and served 22 years in the Air Force and was a decorated veteran, and later served 6 and a half years with Salem Police, 12 years as Deputy Coroner, and 12 years as Marion County Coroner.
State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth countered that Cannon had been ordered held without bond earlier by Judge Steadlin and Judge Amanda Ade-Harlow because there was no way to monitor Cannon around the clock and that his release was not worth the risk. Steadlin indicated he agreed to the release now because of the offer of GPS monitoring and Cannon not leaving his house without a court approved person.
Cannon attended the hearing on Wednesday via Zoom from the Jefferson County Jail in Mt. Vernon, where he was being held. Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps says Cannon was transferred to Jefferson County because he felt it was best for everyone involved. He notes there were no incidents at the jail prior to the transfer.
Upon the judge’s decision, Cannon was returned to the Marion County Jail, where he was later released. Cannon is next due back in court on July 30th for a pretrial hearing.
