Accused teacher requests separate trials in abuse case

Kane County prosecutors are trying to keep their child molestation case against a former Aurora schoolteacher from being split into separate trials for each alleged victim.

Robert Steck has pleaded not guilty to more than a dozen sex abuse charges, allegations which placed him on a leave from his duties at Cowherd Middle School.

Steck, in court papers, has asked Judge Philip DiMarzio to break up the case, saying in part he won't get a fair trial if testimony from his alleged victims is used against him at once.

If successful, the legal tactic could divide the charges between the three youngsters Steck is accused of molesting. And that could give him some leverage at trial.

Prosecutors on Friday filed additional paperwork to try to bolster an argument to keep their case intact, said Justin Fitzsimmons, an assistant state's attorney.

It is unclear when DiMarzio will rule on the matter.

Defense attorney Fred Morelli, who was unavailable for comment, has until Wednesday to respond to the latest filing.

Steck, 38, of the 900 block of Shady Lane, was first arrested last October, accused of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and other charges involving a 14-year-old.

Additional allegations were leveled in the spring, accusing Steck, who also coached basketball and wrestling at the school, of acts involving two other children, both 11.

Steck is free on $7,500 bail.