Ex-teacher admits abusing friend's daughter

A former Plainfield elementary school teacher pleaded guilty Monday to molesting an 8-year-old girl more than a decade ago while he worked as a lifeguard.

Paul Graff was sentenced to 120 days in the DuPage County jail and placed on two years' sex-offender probation after he pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Circuit Judge Kathryn Creswell, who presided over the plea deal, ordered Graff to turn himself in to deputy sheriffs May 11. The 36-year-old Darien man also must register as a convicted sex offender.

Police arrested Graff in October 2006. The allegations did not stem from his former job at Wesmere Elementary School, where he taught health and physical education since fall 2001.

Rather, Graff admitted inappropriately touching his friend's daughter 13 years ago during a shower at Hinsdale's community pool, where he at the time worked as a lifeguard. The girl also said he molested her at home, beginning in 1996, when she was in grade school.

She did not report the abuse until years later.

Graff did not have a prior criminal record. His trial was slated to begin Tuesday. Sentencing options for a conviction ranged from probation or up to seven years in prison.