By: 25 News’ Andrew Harvey
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – A former Peoria referee charged with sexually assaulting minors entered a not guilty plea Thursday and is scheduled to stand trial in July.
Kevin Armstrong, 61, appeared via video from the Peoria County Jail for the hearing, according to 25 News.
Armstrong faces one count of predatory criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony. If convicted, he could face six to 30 years in prison.
Court records allege Armstrong had sexual contact with a victim under the age of 13 on two separate occasions in January and February of this year.
Armstrong was arrested May 7 after Peoria police said a middle school student came forward alleging ongoing sexual abuse. A second minor later came forward alleging years of inappropriate touching.
Armstrong was identified in court as a retired disabled veteran and was appointed a public defender.
His attorney argued Armstrong’s physical and mental health issues warrant his release from custody before trial. A judge will review the pretrial release request on June 10.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 1, with a jury trial set for July 13 at 9 a.m.
Armstrong remains in the Peoria County Jail while the case proceeds.
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