Young Sentenced to Prison for Criminal Sexual Abuse

Traveling dance instructor Charles Young has been sentenced to four years in prison for aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The 34-year-old Young was found guilty in November by an Effingham County jury of criminal sexual assault for actions involving an underage dance student.

Instead, in a negotiated plea agreed to Thursday, Young pleaded guilty to the abuse count and the jury verdict was vacated. However, if Young would attempt to appeal or withdraw his guilty plea, the original jury verdict would be reinstated and he would be re-sentenced on the more serious offense.

In addition to the prison term, Young will serve two years' mandatory supervised release once out of prison. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim, and must register as a sex offender.