Part-time Pingree Grove fire employee charged with sex abuse
A 25-year-old part-time employee of the Pingree Grove Fire Protection District has been charged with sexually abusing a girl younger than 17 whom he knew.
Nathan J. Scherer, of the 0-99 block of Boathouse Road, Pingree Grove, has been charged with five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to Kane County court records.
Prosecutors said Scherer had sexual contact Sunday with the girl, who later told her parents, prompting an investigation by authorities.
Scherer was arrested Monday on the felony charges and he posted $1,000 bond Tuesday and was released from jail, according to prosecutors and court records. If found guilty he faces up to seven years in prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Scherer is listed as one of 38 part-time employees on the fire protection district's website. A phone message and email sent to Chief Mitchell Crocetti to inquire about Scherer's duties and employment status were not immediately returned.
According to Kane County court records, Scherer has not previously been accused of any sex crimes. He was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol in September 2013 in St. Charles. He pleaded guilty, paid a $2,935 fine and completed court supervision, including attending a victim impact panel.
Authorities are still investigating and anyone with additional information should call the Kane County Child Advocacy Center at (630) 208-5160.