Female teachers having inappropriate relationships with male students grab all the headlines. However, the reverse is actually far more prevalent, and this is perhaps why it grabs fewer headlines than the same type of crime committed by females. Recently, a male teacher at Bartlett High School has been fired after reports surfaced of misconduct with students dating back to 2008. The teacher had been with the school for over 25 years. In this article, we will discuss the circumstances that led to his discharge and arrest.
What Happens Now?
Currently, the situation is still under investigation. The school board reached a unanimous decision to fire the teacher and recommended that his teaching license be revoked. They simultaneously filed reports with the Illinois Department of Children and Families, the Board of Education, and forwarded the results of their investigation to the State’s attorney. Thus far, however, no sex crime charges have been filed. That could change soon.
Similar Cases Resulting in Charges
It is unclear from the article what the extent of the sexual abuse was. The district has an interest in minimizing their employee’s wrongdoing while convincing parents that they have their student’s best interests at heart; the district has every incentive to quash details concerning the abuse.
A similar case involving a female teacher and a special education student occurred in Chicago in February. 33-year-old Sara Damyan was charged with criminal sexual assault of a victim between the ages of 13 and 17. The teacher in the above case will face similar charges and may face multiple counts each relating to an individual incident.
Illinois’ criminal sexual abuse statute makes it a class-1 felony when someone over the age of 18 in a position of trust or power over another initiates a sexual relationship with an individual between the ages of 13 and 17. Class-1 felonies carry prison sentences of up to 15 years with a minimum of four years. However, if any of a number of aggravating factors are involved, an extended sentence may go as high as 15-30 years. The question becomes: What factors were at play when the defendant enticed the minor to sex? In the case of a teacher who has considerable power and authority over his students, the courts do not look kindly on their use of that authority for sexual gratification.
Attorneys for such defendants can attack the credibility of those who are making the allegations, but this is very tricky business, and rape shield laws factor in heavily, especially when a child is concerned. In cases where there are multiple students or a history of abuse going back a decade, discrediting the complainants is not an effective strategy, as Harvey Weinstein found out.
Attorneys then focus on the perpetrator as a victim of similar crimes in his own life, which can lead to decreased impulse control, sex addiction, mood disturbances, and the allure of inappropriate relationships.
Talk to a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
David Freidberg represents those charged with serious crimes in the Chicago area. Call us today at (312) 560-7100 to learn more about how we can help.