DANVILLE — The Rossville Church of Christ youth minister is facing criminal charges that he sexually assaulted a teen-age boy who he was mentoring.

And authorities said more charges could be filed in the future.

Andrew L. Thomas, 46, of Rossville, was formally charged Thursday in Vermilion County Circuit Court with one count of criminal sexual assault-position of trust, a Class 1 felony.

Prosecutors said Thomas, who held a position of trust, committed an act of sexual penetration with a male victim between the ages of 13 and 18 between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28. Police said the victim was 15 years old.

“We’re still continuing to investigate,” State’s Attorney Randy Brinegar said. “There very well could be additional charges.”

Thomas, through his attorney Dave Ryan, pleaded innocent to the charge at his initial hearing.

Vermilion County Associate Judge Joseph Skowronski ordered that Thomas be held at the Vermilion County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Thomas was released later in the afternoon after posting 10 percent  of the bond amount, or $7,500.

Skowronski also ordered Thomas to have no contact with the victim’s family.

His preliminary hearing was set for April 1.

The Vermilion County sheriff’s department launched the investigation after the 15-year-old victim came forward, Capt. Rod Kaag said.

“Basically, he contacted us,” Kaag said.

He said investigators worked on the case for several days before meeting with Thomas, who agreed to meet them at the Rossville Police Department on Tuesday afternoon. Thomas was arrested following the interview.

Kaag said Thomas also coached track at Rossville Junior High.

“We still have a lot of investigating to do,” Kaag said.

Calls to the church on Thursday went unanswered.