Ex-swim YMCA instructor faces life in prison

Kevin Skowron could spend the rest of his life in jail.

If convicted on two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, among the several sex-related charges he faces, the Inverness resident could be sentenced to natural life in prison.

Palatine police charged the former swim instructor in late November with sexually assaulting two young girls at the Buehler YMCA. On Thursday, Cook County prosecutors announced new charges against the 22-year-old stemming from other incidents authorities say also took place last fall at the YMCA pool.

The new charges include one count of predatory criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Like the initial victims, the latest victims range from 4 to 9 years old.

Police charged Skowron with possession of alcohol by a minor in 2006. He has no other criminal background.

At the time of the original charges, Skowron was under investigation for a separate incident at the pool that involved another girl. Authorities said that victim could not identify her offender. On the advice of police, Skowron remained employed by the YMCA during the investigation, said spokeswoman Lee Concha. The YMCA cooperated with authorities and also conducted its own investigation. The agency terminated Skowron on Nov. 24, 2008 after prosecutors announced the initial charges.

At that time, a judge set bond at $350,000. Skowron posted the required $35,000 and was released. A judge set his new bond at $750,000. Skowron remained in Cook County Jail on Friday. He next appears in a Rolling Meadows courtroom Feb. 13.