Nov 7, 2007 -
Steven J. Kemp, 34, a West Central High School teacher, was arrested and charged with with three counts of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Kemp is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old female student. Kemp resigned Oct. 22.
According to GateHouse News Service, Kemp was a non-tenured probationary employee at the time of his resignation. The school board agreed to pay Kemp a $12,000 settlement.Nov 7 - Community reaction to arrest story.
Nov 8 - From The Hawk Eye:
In the agreement, which came along with a $12,000 severance package, he acknowledged that allegations had been made against him, but in the next paragraph also denied those allegations. The document described itself as a "compromise of disputed claims," but said it should not be "construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing."While the legal age of consent for sexual activity in Illinois is 17, Kemp is subject to charges because in situations involving student/teacher relationships, the age of consent is raised to 18.
Jan 10 - Kemp waived a preliminary hearing. Arraignment is scheduled for Jan 31.
NOT GUILTY PLEA Feb 27 - Kemp pleaded not guilty and "demanded a jury trial." A pre-trial conference is scheduled for March 26.
