Post by momto4 on Oct 5, 2010 11:44:15 GMT -5
napervillesun.suntimes.com/1872365-417/police-naperville-teacher-birkett-investigation.html
A male science teacher at Metea Valley High School has been charged in connection with a sexual assault of a female student.
Arrested was Robert C. Smith, 27, of 19600 block of Foxford Lane, Mokena. He was charged with two courts of Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 felony, involving a minor between the ages of 13 and 18, according to Naperville Police.
Naperville Police say a resource office from the school in Aurora called Naperville Police on Sept. 28 to report a possible inappropriate relationship involving a teacher and student from the school. Naperville Police were contacted as the information provided indicated the inappropriate behavior occurred in the jurisdiction of Naperville.
A subsequent investigation between the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office / Children Center and NPD revealed a sexual relationship between a male science teacher and a female student of the school.
District Superintendent Kathy Birkett said she is “deeply trouble” by the charges filed against Smith.
Birkett said that after learning about the investigation on Tuesday, the science teacher was immediately removed from all his duties and responsibilities and placed on administrative leave.
According to the district, Smith taught for one year at Waubonsie Valley High School before moving to Metea in 2009. He successfully passed a background check prior to his official hiring, a superintendent message to parents said on Tuesday.
Birkett said police have given no indication that the inappropriate conduct occurred on school grounds, or that Smith was involved in any other student/teacher misconduct.
“This is now a matter for law enforcement officials to handle, while we focus on the well-being of our students,” Birkett said.
Counseling is being provided for students at Metea Valley, and students with any pertinent information regarding the on-going investigation of Smith should contact the Naperville Police Department, Birkett said.
“We understand the seriousness of the charges and are cooperating fully with the police in their investigation,” Birkett said.
Naperville Police say the investigation will continue, however, at this time, only one student has been identified as having been involved with the teacher.
Beacon news Reporter Erika Wurst contributed to this story.
Comment at napersun.com.
A male science teacher at Metea Valley High School has been charged in connection with a sexual assault of a female student.
Arrested was Robert C. Smith, 27, of 19600 block of Foxford Lane, Mokena. He was charged with two courts of Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 felony, involving a minor between the ages of 13 and 18, according to Naperville Police.
Naperville Police say a resource office from the school in Aurora called Naperville Police on Sept. 28 to report a possible inappropriate relationship involving a teacher and student from the school. Naperville Police were contacted as the information provided indicated the inappropriate behavior occurred in the jurisdiction of Naperville.
A subsequent investigation between the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office / Children Center and NPD revealed a sexual relationship between a male science teacher and a female student of the school.
District Superintendent Kathy Birkett said she is “deeply trouble” by the charges filed against Smith.
Birkett said that after learning about the investigation on Tuesday, the science teacher was immediately removed from all his duties and responsibilities and placed on administrative leave.
According to the district, Smith taught for one year at Waubonsie Valley High School before moving to Metea in 2009. He successfully passed a background check prior to his official hiring, a superintendent message to parents said on Tuesday.
Birkett said police have given no indication that the inappropriate conduct occurred on school grounds, or that Smith was involved in any other student/teacher misconduct.
“This is now a matter for law enforcement officials to handle, while we focus on the well-being of our students,” Birkett said.
Counseling is being provided for students at Metea Valley, and students with any pertinent information regarding the on-going investigation of Smith should contact the Naperville Police Department, Birkett said.
“We understand the seriousness of the charges and are cooperating fully with the police in their investigation,” Birkett said.
Naperville Police say the investigation will continue, however, at this time, only one student has been identified as having been involved with the teacher.
Beacon news Reporter Erika Wurst contributed to this story.
Comment at napersun.com.