MARION - A Marion physician was charged Monday by the Williamson County State's Attorney's Office with two felonies.

Sean McCain, who practices medicine at Southern Illinois Medical Care Associates in Marion, is accused of one count of unlawful restraint and one count of domestic battery. A preliminary hearing was set for 1:15 p.m. on July 28 by Judge John Speroni.

McCain, 38, who resides on Cardinal Road in rural Carbondale, was arrested by the Williamson County Sheriff's Office on July 5.

According to the unlawful restraint document obtained from the circuit clerk's office, McCain is said to have detained CaryBeth Sutton, "grabbing her by the hair and throat," preventing her from leaving the residence.

The domestic battery document alleges that McCain "caused bodily harm to Sutton, a family or household member of the defendant, when he grabbed her by the hair and then strangled her with his hands."

Sutton lives in Carterville.

Southern Illinois Medical Care Associates is an affiliate of Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Hospital spokeswoman Staci Bynum said hospital officials are aware of the allegations against McCain and are taking them seriously.

"The allegations involve personal matters unrelated to the medical center," Bynum said. "And without any knowledge of those personal events, we cannot comment on the allegations. They will have to be resolved through the legal process. We can confirm that Dr. McCain is properly qualified for his position pursuant to medical center policies and that the medical center has processes and procedures in place to ensure our services are provided appropriately."

Bynum added that given the legal presumption of innocence, the doctor will be allowed to continue his practice as the legal process moves forward.

"We will continue to follow this matter as it is resolved though the judicial system," McCain said.

Both charges against McCain are Class 4 felonies. The maximum punishment for each is a prison sentence of one to three years.

Speroni set bond at $5,000, and McCain paid the required 10 percent to be released.

An attempt to reach McCain for comment Thursday was unsuccessful.

john.homan@thesouthern.com

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