A New Boston man facing a felony sexual abuse charge has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Gage Welch, 23, appeared in Mercer County Circuit Court on Monday, where he entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial.
Welch was arrested last month and charged with a Class 2 felony of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, according to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. He was released from custody with conditions, including no contact with the alleged victim.
A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for Aug. 11.