Therapist denies having sex with underage client

A Libertyville therapist accused of having sex with a 14-year-old client pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Cori Lynn Rivelli, 27, faces a mandatory prison sentence of four to 15 years if convicted of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Assistant State's Attorney Mary Stanton said Rivelli, of the 800 block of Milwaukee Avenue, was a counselor with Kids Hope United in Lake Villa. One of her clients was a 14-year-old boy whom other staffers at the Lake Villa facility overheard talking to another resident about his relationship with Rivelli, Stanton said.

The boy was taken to the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center where Stanton said he told investigators he had sex with Rivelli in her apartment, at the Lake Villa facility and during an authorized trip downstate with her to visit his family.

Rivelli was placed on administrative leave shortly after her arrest, a spokesman for Kids Hope United said.

Circuit Judge Victoria Rossetti scheduled a trial of the case for Jan. 4 and ordered Rivelli, who is free after posting $10,000 for bond, to appear in court Nov. 17.