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South Elgin man accused of misconduct as state worker

A South Elgin man and Illinois Department of Human Services case worker faces felony misconduct charges that he propositioned clients on two separate occasions for sexual favors in order for him to renew their public aid benefits.

Esteban Figueroa, 44, of the 600 block of Dean Street, appeared briefly in Kane County bond court Thursday before Judge James Hallock.

Hallock set Figueroa’s bail at $70,000 and he must post $7,000 to be free pending trial.

If convicted of official misconduct, Figueroa could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

According to court documents, Figueroa, acting in his role as a public aid case worker, is accused of asking a male client on May 4, 2011 to send Figueroa lewd photographs of himself in exchange for renewing the man’s public aid benefits. Figueroa also is accused of offering the man $20 to go home with Figueroa, court records state.

Figueroa also is accused of offering a sexual favor to another man and having an inappropriate conversation with him in June 2010, and ultimately not reinstating the man’s state-funded medical benefits, according to court records.

“We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously. Our clients are our No. 1 priority, and we will not tolerate any behavior that compromises DHS’ mission of delivering vital services to Illinois families. The department will thoroughly review the charges against Mr. Figueroa and take appropriate administrative action,” said Januari Smith Trader, spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services.

Figueroa is due next in court Oct. 18.