Bond reduced for teen charged with sex assault

WOODSTOCK - A Barrington High School student’s bond was reduced from $150,000 to $10,000 Thursday as he formally denied criminal charges alleging that he raped another student and had sexual contact with another underaged girl.

Bruce A. Johnston, 18, of Tower Lakes, pleaded not guilty Thursday to criminal sexual assault and sexual abuse. The second charge had been reduced from a serious felony to a misdemeanor.

Johnston’s attorney, Robert Hanaford, asked McHenry County Judge Joseph Condon to reduce his bail, largely based on his lack of criminal history and the reduced charge. Hanaford said he could not comment on the facts surrounding the allegations, but his mother, Sylvia Johnston, said she expects that her son will be cleared.

The two incidents allegedly happened April 24 with a 17-year-old girl and April 26 with a 14-year-old girl at Sylvia Johnston's house. Bruce Johnston usually lives with his father in Tower Lakes.

At the bond hearing Thursday, Assistant State's Attorney Michael Combs asked that Johnston be required to post some money to be released from jail while his case was pending. Condon’s ruling means Johnston must post $1,000.

If convicted of the more-serious charge, Johnston would not be eligible for probation. Instead, he would face between four and 15 years in prison - and potentially deportation.

Johnston, who moved to the United States with his parents when he was six years old, is a legal resident alien who could be deported if convicted of a forcible felony, Hanaford said.

“What he’s been charged with would likely fall into the category,” Hanaford said.

Immigration officials lifted a hold that would prevent Johnston from being released on bond this week. His case is next due in court July 8.