Ex-Neuqua teaching assistant charged with sex abuse

A six-month investigation by the Naperville Police Department has led to a former teaching assistant at Neuqua Valley High School being charged with criminal sexual abuse.

Police allege Deborah Cox, 58, of 271 Scots Drive in Naperville, had a sexual relationship with a 2010 Neuqua Valley graduate whom she tutored for several years.

Her relationship with the male student is believed to have taken place between January and May 2010, during which time the alleged victim turned 18. Sgt. Gregg Bell said the charges stem from Cox being “in a position of trust and authority.”

Investigators do not believe Cox was involved with any other students or that any of the alleged misconduct took place at the Naperville school.

According to Indian Prairie Unit District 204 officials, the student's parents reported the alleged relationship to police on Aug. 28, 2010, and police contacted the district on Aug. 31, 2010.

A statement released Friday morning by District 204 Superintendent Kathryn Birkett said Cox immediately was removed from all her duties and placed on paid administrative leave until her Oct. 19 release from the district.

Cox had worked as a teaching assistant in the district since 2001 and successfully completed the background check required of all employees before being hired.

“We want to stress that the district takes these charges very seriously. As this is now a matter for law enforcement officials to handle, we encourage students who may have pertinent information regarding this investigation to contact the Naperville Police Department,” Birkett wrote in her statement. “We are providing support in the school for any student who may need to discuss this issue. If your student wishes to talk with someone at school, please direct him or her to speak with their social worker or guidance counselor.”

Cox is free on $5,000 bond and has an April 4 court appearance.

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