High bond set for Bloomington man accused of arranging sex with teenager on Facebook

Posted on January 24, 2018

*A judge set bond at $1 million for Andrew Whitmer, 23, of Bloomington. He’s accused of sexually abusing a 15-year old girl late last year, after arranging their encounters on Facebook.*
*(McLean County Jail photo)*

By Howard Packowitz

A McLean County judge has set a high bond for a Bloomington man accused of sexually abusing a teenager late last year.

Associate Judge David Butler set bond at $1 million for Andrew Whitmer, which means he has to post ten percent of that, or $100,000, to be released from jail on two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

In court, prosecutors said Whitmer, 23, communicated with the 15-year old girl on Facebook, requesting money and later asking for sex.

The girl allegedly said Whitmer warned her not to tell anyone about their relationship, and he threatened her family if she didn’t give him more money.

The state’s attorney’s office said Whitmer has prior McLean County convictions for residential burglary and violating a protection order.

Prosecutors say Bloomington Police arrested Whitmer on Tuesday.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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