Round Lake Beach cop accused of having sex with teen

A Round Lake Beach police officer will be off the job in the wake of a criminal complaint alleging he sexually abused a 16-year-old girl whom prosecutors say he met through his 21-year-old son.

Leroy C. Kuffel, 51, of unincorporated Lake Villa Township, appeared in bond court late Monday afternoon after he was charged with one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Kuffel has been a police officer since he joined the department in 1980.

Round Lake Beach Police Chief Douglas Larsson said Kuffel was placed on administrative leave with pay. Kuffel faces a formal internal investigation and disciplinary charges before the board of police commissioners that could result in his dismissal, Larsson said.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Stephen Scheller said the divorced Kuffel met the Pleasant Prairie, Wis., girl when she visited his house to see his son.

Kuffel was charged for an incident in March, in which he began the evening by picking up the teen at her home for a dinner date at a restaurant, Scheller said.

After dinner, Scheller said, Kuffel brought the girl to his house and sexually abused her. Kuffel denied having a sexual relationship with the teen, prosecutors said, but admitted he treated her to dinner, paid for her cellular telephone service and purchased shoes and other items for her.

Kuffel's attorney, Charles Smith of Waukegan, declined to comment.

Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran said Tuesday his agency launched a three-week investigation after receiving an anonymous tip about Kuffel and the girl.

Curran said Kuffel told sheriff's investigators he was waiting until the girl turned 18 to have a sexual relationship with her.

"He was looking forward to that point in time," Curran said.

Sheriff's officials notified Round Lake Beach police, who began an internal probe. Larsson said the sexual relationship took place while Kuffel was off duty.

Larsson said the sex charge against Kuffel is an "egregious act that offends the public conscience and insults the reputation of a fine village and its police department that works hard to serve its community in a professional manner."

Kuffel would face three to five years behind bars if convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony. Kuffel was freed from the Lake County jail after posting 10 percent of a $200,000 bond. His next Lake County court date is scheduled for May 21.

"The sheriff's department has had my full cooperation in this investigation since coming forward with the allegations," Larsson said. "If this is true, this is a horrible crime for the victim, family and for everyone this case touches."

Kuffel also owns Lee's Towing & Wrecking in Lake Villa Township, authorities said.

Accused: Officer could spend five years in prison if convicted