Former Area Resident Free on Bond After Arrest on Grooming, Harmful Materials Charges

A former area man is free on bond after his arrest on three charges of grooming and a count of distribution of harmful materials.

(DILLEY)

23-year-old Braden M. Dilley, now of Edwardsville, was at Effingham County Jail Wednesday, where he posted $2,500 bond and was released.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the three counts of grooming allege actions against three different young people. Kibler said the one count of distribution of harmful materials allegedly involves one young person.

Dilley was given a court date of December 16 at 9am.

Dilley was serving an internship at Christ's Church in Effingham when the church ended the affiliation in July. The church's senior pastor, Jeff Michael, said a statement was read to the congregation that Dilley had been released for conduct unbecoming of staff. Michael said the matter was turned over to the police. He said not all of the young people alleged to have been victims in the matter attend Christ's Church, but said some do attend there.

Dilley worked at the Christ's Church campuses at Effingham, Dieterich and Flora during his 14-month affiliation with the church.