A Vandalia man has been charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. 30-year old Ernest K. Klucas Jr. is charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim more than 5 years younger as information states Klucas allegedly “committed an act of sexual penetration” on the victim who was at least 13 years of age but not more than 17 years of age. Each of the four counts is a Class 2 felony and punishable by 3 to 7 years. Klucas informed the court that he wished to look into hiring private counsel and the court assigned public defender Bill Starnes for the time being. Bond for Klucas Jr. has been set at $75,000. A request for bond reduction was denied during an appearance on Thursday and a preliminary hearing date and first appearance with counsel has been set for September 18 at 11am.