WJBD - Local News - Southern Illinois Man pleads Not Guilty to Weapons, Sex Charges

Local News

BENTON, Ill. (AP) - A southern Illinois man has pleaded not guilty to

charges he was found with a cache of firearms and explosives when he was

arrested for allegedly soliciting a child for sex.

The

(Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports Norman

Risley of Sesser was arraigned Wednesday in Franklin County on charges

of unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful use of weapons, indecent

solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

Authorities say the 53-year-old Risley was arrested Dec. 21, when

investigators allegedly found explosive materials and devices, including

blasting caps, as well as illegal knives and several semi-automatic

weapons and ammunition.

Barrett is free on bond and is scheduled to next appear in court May 9.