James Eric Haley at a court appearance last year with his attorney David Morrison and State’s Attorney Meeghan Lee.
A Viola man awaiting trial on 16 felony counts in a child porn investigation has been released on a $500,000 recognizance bond. Judge Peter Church made the ruling Monday morning in Mercer County Circuit Court regarding 44 year old James Eric Haley. Haley’s attorney filed a motion for the recognizance bond last month, which was opposed by Mercer County State’s Attorney Meeghan Lee. Haley had been in custody on $500,000 bond since his arrest last August. The 16-felony counts are in connection with allegations involving a 15-year old girl. Lee has indicated previously that the federal prosecutor’s office is reviewing the matter and the case could be moved to U.S. District Court.
As part of the recognizance bond conditions, Haley cannot have contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18 with the exception of his immediate family. He also cannot leave the state of Illinois. A pre-trial conference is set for June 15th.