n 18-year-old Mount Carmel man is facing multiple felony charges, including armed robbery and attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault, following an alleged attack on a local woman.
Joshua Parrish made his first appearance Monday in Wabash County Circuit Court after Wabash County State's Attorney Kelli Storckman filed an eight-count felony information stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on June 19.
Parrish is charged with armed robbery, a Class X felony, alleging he used a knife to steal money from a woman. He is also charged with robbery and aggravated robbery, both Class 1 felonies. Court records allege the victim was 60 years of age or older and that Parrish threatened her by claiming he was armed with a knife.
Additional charges include attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault, a Class 2 felony, alleging Parrish, while armed with a knife, covered the victim's face with a shirt, told her he was going to sexually assault her, and ordered her to accompany him to a wooded area.
He is also charged with attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault involving a victim age 60 or older, attempted aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, and unlawful restraint. Prosecutors allege Parrish struck the victim with his fist and detained her at knifepoint while attempting to move her from one location to another against her will.
During Monday's hearing, Parrish was advised of the charges and the court appointed a public defender to represent him.
Judge William C. Hudson granted the State's motion to deny pretrial release, and Parrish remains lodged in the Wabash County Jail.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 13, with a final pretrial conference set for August 17. A jury trial is currently scheduled to begin September 8.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Parrish is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
