Trial set for Lincoln reenactor accused in child porn case

FREEPORT, Ill. (AP) - A northwestern Illinois man known for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to go on trial in December on child pornography and prostitution charges.

George Buss, 63, of Freeport has pleaded not guilty. The jury trial is set for Dec. 7, according to the (Springfield) State Journal-Register. According to Stephenson County court records, Buss posted on a $20,000 bond last month.

Buss was accused of possessing a child pornography video and patronizing a prostitute.

His attorney, Anthony Peska, has declined to comment on the case except to say Buss 'œentered a plea of not guilty, and it is set for trial.'ť

Buss, a retired teacher, has been portraying the 16th president for more than 30 years in Illinois and across the country, including at an annual reading of the Gettysburg Address in Pennsylvania.