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Accused former Gavin teacher pleads not guilty

The last of three former Gavin Elementary District 37 teachers accused of not reporting suspected student sex abuse involving a colleague pleaded not guilty in Lake County court Wednesday.

John Keehan, 40, of Elgin, is charged with one count of failing to report suspected child abuse, Assistant State's Attorney Nicole Cheskey said. If found guilty at trial, Keehan could be sentenced up to one year in jail and face a $2,500 fine, Cheskey said.

Defense attorney Doug Zeit did not comment on the charges after the brief hearing in front of Judge Joseph Salvi.

April Courtney, 37, of Wauconda, and Michael Lanners, 38, of Lake Villa, pleaded not guilty to the same charge during their arraignment hearing Dec. 4. All three have been released from custody after paying the required 10 percent of their $5,000 bail.

They were arrested Nov. 14 for failing to report a suspected relationship between a Gavin South Middle School student and teacher Michael Vucic in 2012.

Vucic, 41, of Lake Forest, remains in a jail in Bosnia-Herzegovina on a $1 million arrest warrant, authorities said. He is fighting extradition to the United States to face charges.

Vucic, who taught social studies at Gavin South for 18 years, faces five counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and five counts of criminal sexual assault. He fled the United States before charges were filed against him.

Authorities said the student told her grandparents earlier this year she had sexual contact with Vucic several times in 2012. The girl no longer attends the school.

Authorities said Lanners and Courtney were teachers at Gavin South and somehow knew of the relationship.

Vucic, Keehan and Courtney were fired from Gavin in October, school officials said.

Lanners had left Gavin South in 2002 to teach at Mundelein Elementary School District 75. He was placed on administrative leave from District 75 in September, authorities said. They have not explained how Lanners knew or suspected Vucic was sexually abusing a student.

Teachers are required by law to report suspicions or knowledge of abuse against any minor, authorities said.

Lanners and Courtney are due in court Dec 18. Keehan is due in court Feb. 2.

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