Probation for Pingree Grove man in solicition of minor

A Pingree Grove man accused of sexually abusing a teen he knew in June 2016 was sentenced Wednesday to two years of sex offender probation after pleading guilty to a less severe charge in the case.

Nathan J. Scherer, 28, of the 0-99 block of Boathouse Road, pleaded guilty to felony indecent solicitation of a minor before Kane County Judge Charles Petersen in exchange for prosecutors dismissing more severe charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Scherer, who at one time was a part-time paramedic for Pingree Grove, faced a punishment ranging from probation to up to seven years in prison on the most severe charge. If he violates his probation, he could be resentenced to up to five years in prison.

Kane County Assistant State's Attorney Lori Schmidt said Scherer invited the victim, who was then 15 and knew Scherer through sports, to Scherer's house on June 20, 2016, and solicited the victim to commit a sex act.

Schmidt said if the act was committed, it would have constituted aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

"He will follow all of the rules of sex offender probation, including no contact with the victim," Schmidt told the judge.

Defense attorney Gary Johnson said his client completed about 90 percent of counseling and therapy while free on bond as the case was pending.

"He's been on probation for a while - sort of," Johnson said. "I think that helped."

Johnson declined to comment on the specifics of the case, but said he believes Scherer is a "zero risk" of reoffending.

As part of the plea, Scherer must have a person 21 or older present for supervised contact with his fiance's children. Scherer also must register as a sex offender for 10 years.