West Aurora teacher faces sex charges

The band director at West Aurora High School has been charged with sexually abusing and assaulting two students, the Kane County state’s attorney’s office announced Friday.

Stephen P. Orland, 42, of the 2700 block of Bauer Road in North Aurora, was charged Thursday with three counts of criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony, and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony.

According to Aurora police, on multiple occasions after Aug. 1, 2010, Orland had sexual contact with two students he knew.

Authorities say that Orland abused his position of trust and authority, and that the victims were younger than 18 during some of the contact.

Orland surrendered to Aurora police Friday, posted $10,000 bond and was released. His next court date is June 2.

If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 45 years in prison. The Class 2 felonies are punishable by probation to 5 years in prison, which could be served concurrently. But the Class 1 sentences, of 4 to 15 years per count, are mandatory consecutive sentences.

If convicted, he would have to register as a sex offender.

“When the school district became aware of certain information regarding Steve Orland, it immediately undertook an appropriate investigation and thereafter informed law enforcement agencies, with which it has since been cooperating. Because of the pending action, it is not appropriate to comment further at this time,” said Mike Chapin, West Aurora District 129’s community relations director.

The police ask that anyone with additional information call (630) 256-5500.