Foster parent's trial delayed in Williamson County

BY BECKY MALKOVICH

MARION -- The Williamson County trial of a Marion foster parent accused of sexually assaulting at least two foster children has been delayed until next month.

Mark Ashby, who is charged with one Class X felony count of aggravated criminal sexual assault with bodily harm and four counts of criminal sexual assault against a victim between the ages of 13 and 17 years old, agreed Monday to a continuance of his jury trial until Oct. 20th.

The continuance was granted because of a scheduling conflict and because DNA testing results are not expected to be received until later this week.

Ashby, who became a foster parent in September 2006, had five children come through his home prior to June 27, 2008 when DCFS removed foster children from the residence citing safety concerns.