WAYNE COUNTY — A 74-year-old former Fairfield alderman pleaded guilty Wednesday in Wayne County court to the lesser of three child sex offense charges against him.

Ronald Rush was arrested last July and charged with Class X felonies for aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated criminal sexual assault, as well as Class 3 felony criminal sexual abuse of a family member under the age of 18.

Rush was informed in court Wednesday that the Class 3 felony charge he pleaded guilty to is extended term eligible due to the age of the victim. He filed an open plea of guilt, which isn’t an admission of guilt but an acknowledgement that the prosecution has enough evidence to likely secure a guilty verdict. An open plea does not include a sentencing agreement.

The court ordered Rush Wednesday to undergo a sex offender evaluation prior to sentencing.  A status hearing on sentencing is scheduled for September 4.

Bail for Rush had been set at $250,000 and he remains free on $25,000 cash bond posted in August of last year. He was admonished in court Wednesday of the possible penalties if he fails to appear in court.