A Vandalia man charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse made an appearance in Fayette County Court on Monday. 31-year old Ernest K. Klucas Jr. appeared for a preliminary hearing and first appearance with counsel Bill Starnes. However, Klucas informed the court that he had hired his own private counsel, therefor leading the preliminary hearing to be reset for October 17 at 11am. 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 remains in the Fayette County Jail on $75,000 bond.