A Murphysboro man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a woman has been removed from his position as city alderman.

Ronald Nolan had initially refused to step down from his position, but Illinois state law says a City Council has the authority to remove an alderman if he has committed a felony.

Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens has 60 days to appoint a new person to the Alderman position, and that person will serve out the remaining two years of Nolan’s term.