A repugnant investigation into sexual abuse is ongoing in Grayville. A pair of residents have been arrested and charged. 47-year-old Michelle Masterson was in court Thursday morning. She was arrested on a warrant charging her with a single count of Criminal Sexual Assault of a family member under the age of 18. In court Thursday, Masterson was denied pre-trial release, waived formal arraignment, and entered a plea of not guilty. Her next pre-trial hearing is coming up November 4th. 53-year-old Bryan Masterson was also arrested and has been charged with two counts of Criminal Sexual Assault of a family member under the age of 18. He was also in court Thursday for a detention hearing with pre-trial release denied. He’ll be due back in court on October 19th for a preliminary hearing.
Grayville authorities arrested the pair on Tuesday following an investigation prompted by Police Chief Mason Siegel receiving information concerning alleged sexual abuse that occurred while the victim was a minor.
Following the arrests, Siegel conducted additional interviews that have resulted in further information concerning allegations of sexual abuse involving additional juvenile victims. That investigation continues into those allegations. Siegel says due to the severity and scope of those allegations, additional felony charges are being considered including Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child involving both defendants and other offenses supported by evidence. Siegel says additional charges will be reviewed in consultation with the appropriate prosecuting authority and will be determined based upon the evidence discovered during the ongoing investigation.
Grayville law enforcement continue their work and say they’re also coordinating with other law enforcement agencies and child-protection agencies regarding allegations that may have occurred outside Illinois.