Former Hinsdale Central teacher indicted on sex abuse charges
A former Hinsdale Central High School teacher has been formally indicted on charges that he sexually abused a former student.
James Bryla, 29, of the 1800 block of Hampton Lane in Yorkville, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault.
Prosecutors say Bryla met a 16-year-old girl at an Elmhurst park after school on at least two separate occasions in April 2011. It was during the second meeting that they say the girl was sexual assaulted — once in the park and again in Bryla's car.
The former student, now 20, reported the assaults to Hinsdale police in December 2014. Police then contacted the DuPage County Children's Center, which initiated an investigation.
At the same time, a 15-year-old female student told authorities she was receiving emails and texts from Bryla that made her uncomfortable.
Bryla was placed on leave by Hinsdale High School District 86 officials in December after a student reported “inappropriate communications” between a fellow student and Bryla. He resigned from his position as a technology teacher the next day.
If convicted, Bryla faces between seven and 20 years in prison.
He is due in court May 19.