Judge Walden Morris denied a motion Thursday afternoon to reduce bond in the case against Todd Fort, Harrisburg School Board president and a sheriff’s deputy.
Fort’s bond will remain set at $250,000; defense attorney Bryan Drew had suggested $40,000 bond.
Fort, 43, Harrisburg, is charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault and four counts of official misconduct. The charges contend Fort committed four acts of sexual penetration with the girl, who was 17 years old at the time, between May 1 and July 19. The charges further contend Fort was in a position of supervision, authority or trust with the girl. Fort remains held at the Jackson County jail
Fort’s sister, Cindy Palmer, testified Fort does not have enough assets to raise $250,000. He has roots in the community and a minor child who lives in Harrisburg, she said.
“He’s going to come home with me and stay with me,” Palmer said.
Assistant State’s Attorney Eva Walker contended the seriousness of the offenses charged makes a $250,000 bond appropriate. Walker further asked the judge to add conditions to any bond amount, such as Fort having no contact with the girl, no contact with anyone under age 18 and surrender of his weapons and passport.
Drew said restricting Fort from seeing his minor daughter – especially since Fort was the custodial parent – would be excessive. Drew said Fort is accused of sexual relations with a 17-year-old under his direct supervision and not with relations involving a child.
After the hearing, Drew said he had hoped the judge would reduce the bond, but judges are often reluctant to reduce bond in a case with this many felony charges.
As anticipated, Drew and the state's attorney's office reached an outside-of-court agreement on taking blood or oral samples from Fort, which means a hearing on that mater won't be necessary.
“We have an agreement on DNA now. We have particulars on what the state must do, it’s pretty standard,” Drew said.
Blood and oral samples will be submitted when both sides can participate in the process, Drew said.
Fort’s minor child is in the custody now of his ex-wife, Drew said. The Department of Children and Family Services is not involved in the case in any way, he said.
Sheriff Keith Brown has revoked Fort’s appointment as chief deputy. He remains employed, but unpaid, by the Sheriff’s Department, Brown said.
A police report signed by Stacy Kinter of the Illinois State Police indicates the girl told investigators she had intercourse with Fort about 10 times at his house.
Fort was arrested July 19 after turning himself in to authorities. After Fort was arrested, Henshaw indicated the issue in the case is not consent -- state law prohibits someone in a position of authority from having sexual relations with a subordinate under 18.
