Judge approves bond change for Wauconda firefighter
Bond for a Wauconda firefighter accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with someone under the age of 13 was changed Wednesday to allow him to have supervised contact with some children during the holidays.
Donald Berthiaume, 41, of the 2500 Block of Fish Hook Way, was charged in early November on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse for having inappropriate sexual contact in 2005 with someone who was under the age of 13, Lake County Sheriff’s officials said.
Berthiaume appeared in court Wednesday with his attorney, Robert Gevirtz, and asked that his $50,000 bond be altered to allow Berthiaume to have supervised contact with children from his family and friends.
Lake County Judge Raymond Collins approved the motion without objection from the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Gevirtz said after the quick hearing that Berthiaume is due back in court Jan. 10, but that a Lake County grand jury is expected to indict him before that court date,
Berthiaume remains free after posting 10 percent of the required $50,000 bond.
Berthiaume has been placed on paid administrative leave from the Wauconda Fire Protection District pending the outcome of the charges against him.