Man charged in Twin-Cities sexual assault released on bond

Posted on January 27, 2021
John Fennell, 19, of Indiana. (Photo courtesy: McLean County Jail)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – An Indiana man has posted bond and was released Tuesday morning from the McLean County Jail on charges he sexually assaulted a teenager at a party in Normal.

A sergeant at the jail said John Fennell, 19, posted $25,035 cash and is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment February 19.

Fennell is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault, both Class 1 felonies, for incidents involving a 17-year old girl on November 21.

The alleged victim did not have the ability at the time to consent to having sex, said Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner. The chief declined to be more specific.

Bleichner said his department started investigating after the teenager called police. Authorities obtained a warrant last week for Fennell’s arrest.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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