A 23 year old Mt. Carmel charged with criminal sexual assault was back in Wabash County Circuit Court yesterday as preparations continue for his February jury trial. Michael Haase was arrested in July 2022 by Mt. Carmel Police after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The warrant was the result of a two and half month investigation that began when Wabash County Sheriff Derek Morgan’s office received a report alleging Haase committed criminal sexual assault. During a pre-trial yesterday, state’s attorney Kelli Storckman and defense attorney T. J. Matthes argued over motions ahead of the February 3rd trial. Judge Denton Aud set a final pre-trial hearing for January 9th at which time he will rule on motions filed by Storckman regarding potential testimony and evidence. Following his arrest, Haase posted $10,000 cash bond and has been free ever since.