Aurora, ILLINOIS

INDICTED Apr 5, 2007 - Robert Steck, 37, a former teacher at Cowherd Middle School, already facing charges of sexually abusing a student has been indicted on new allegations that he abused two young boys in his neighborhood.

The new allegations involve incidents that allegedly took place in late 2002 and early 2003.

Steck was arrested after being indicted on one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and two counts of sexually exploiting a child. He pleaded not guilty. He posted bail.

In the 2006 case, which is still pending, Steck was charged with multiple counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child and related charges for allegedly abusing a 7th-grade pupil at Cowherd Middle School in East Aurora. He is out on $75,000 bond on that case.

REQUEST TO BREAK UP THE CASE Dec 15 - Steck, in court papers, has asked Judge Philip DiMarzio to break up the case, saying in part he won't get a fair trial if testimony from his alleged victims is used against him at once.

If successful, the legal tactic could divide the charges between the three youngsters Steck is accused of molesting. And that could give him some leverage at trial. No date given for when the judge will rule on the request.

HEARING DATE SET - Dec 19 - Judge Philip DiMarzio is set to hear lawyers on both sides argue the matter of breaking up the case on Jan. 18. In court papers, prosecutor Justin Fitzsimmons has said the case against Steck should remain intact, in part to try to outline a pattern of targeting children for abuse.