Neuqua Valley aide pleads guilty to sex abuse

A former teacher's aide at Neuqua Valley High School must register as a sex offender after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 17-year-old student.

Deborah Cox, 58, of the 200 block of Scots Drive in Naperville, pleaded guilty in Will County court Friday to aggravated criminal sexual abuse and was sentenced to four years of sex-offender probation. She also must register as a sex offender for life.

Cox was arrested last March after a six-month investigation into her relationship with a 2010 graduate of Neuqua Valley in Naperville. Police said Cox tutored the victim for several years and had a sexual relationship with him between January and May 2010.

Police said the misconduct did not take place at school, and there were no allegations involving other students. Indian Prairie School District 204 officials said Cox was placed on administrative leave and ultimately fired last year.

State's attorney spokesman Chuck Pelkie said the victim's family supported Friday's plea agreement, which bars Cox from having contact with the victim and minors, other than a niece she is allowed to babysit when another adult is present. The agreement also prohibits Cox from using social media websites and working as a tutor, Pelkie said.