Joliet Man Facing 4 Sex Crimes Released On Lowered Bail

JOLIET, IL — A 38-year-old Joliet man is no longer in custody after posting 10 percent of his $100,000 in connection with four felony sex crimes. David R. Powell, who lives in the 200 block of North Clement Street, spent less than one day in the Will County Jail on March 2 before regaining his freedom, jail records show.

According to his criminal complaint, Powell is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault to a family member and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The criminal complaint was submitted by Joliet Police Detective Shawn Filipiak.

The crimes happened in December, charges indicate. The Will County State's Attorney's Office filed the charges on Feb. 22 and Powell turned himself into authorities, working through his criminal defense lawyer, on March 2.

Powell hired downtown Joliet attorney Steven Haney to represent him. On March 2, Haney convinced Will County's judges to lower his client's bail in wake of the four criminal charges, court records indicate.

The original bail amount of $500,000 was oppressive and there is no evidence that the defendant will not appear at future court appearances, according to Joliet lawyer Steven Haney.

Haney also noted that his client was 38 years old and lives with his spouse in Joliet.

"He has lived in this area his entire life and has extensive family in the same vicinity. As such, he has significant ties to the community," Haney's filing states.

Haney also reminded the judges of Will County that Powell has no criminal history, and he is currently attending school for computer animation. Powell's case is assigned to Courtroom 405, which belongs to Will County Circuit Judge David Carlson.