LCHS teacher charged with 7 counts

[March 29, 2011]  On Monday, Douglas R. Benz, a Lincoln Community High School teacher, was formally charged with seven counts of sexual contact with a minor. Benz faces four counts of criminal sexual assault against a minor, a Class 1 felony, for alleged acts that occurred between Aug. 1, 2010, and Jan. 31, 2011. He also was charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against a minor.

Benz was arrested by authorities last Tuesday in Springfield.

Logan County State's Attorney Michael McIntosh released this statement to the media:

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Earlier today, Douglas R. Benz was formally charged with 4 counts of Criminal Sexual Assault and with 3 counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. All charges are in connection with same minor victim and all charges are associated with his position as a high school teacher at the school where she is a student. The Criminal Sexual Assault charges are class 1 felonies and the Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse charges are class 2 felonies. His bond had been previously set at $100,000.00 which means he must post $10,000.00 to be released from jail. His next court date is tomorrow, March 29, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. All defendants are presumed innocent of the charges against them until the charges have been proved in court.

Benz is on administrative leave from the high school

[Text from file received from Michael D. McIntosh, Logan County state's attorney; LDN]