Teacher, coach gets 3 years for sex abuse

A Kane County judge sentenced a former Aurora Middle School teacher and wrestling coach to three years in prison for sexually abusing a student in 2006.

Robert Steck, 41, formerly of Aurora, who was living with his parents in downstate Canton while free on bail, was convicted last December of six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, four misdemeanor charges of sexual exploitation and one count of indecent solicitation.

Steck was convicted of sexually abusing a troubled seventh-grade wrestler at Cowherd Middle School. The victim, who is now 18, testified that he and Steck practiced wrestling moves at Steck’s Aurora home while they were both naked and also went in his hot tub while they were naked. The victim also testified that he was fondled by Steck.

Steck faced anywhere from probation to three to seven years in prison. Assistant State’s Attorney Christine Bayer argued to Judge Allen Anderson that Steck needed at least six months behind bars.

Bayer noted that while out on bond, Steck tried to befriend a 16-year-old via Facebook and also drew ire from officials at a YMCA in Aurora because he was hanging around the locker room.

“He’s not willing to see that anything he’s done is wrong,” Bayer said. “He can’t stop, and that’s what makes him dangerous.”

Defense attorney Kathleen Colton argued for probation and sex offender treatment. Colton said her client had no prior criminal record and through probation authorities would have more control over his rehabilitation.

Steck, who testified in his own defense during his two-day trial, also pleaded for probation, saying he was willing to go to counseling, and said the seven nights he spent in jail were terrifying.

“I never want to go back there again. I’ll do everything necessary,” said Steck, who never apologized during his 4 1/2 minute address to the court.

Steck’s father, Larry Steck, testified that he never witnessed any unusual behavior from his son while living with him from May 2003 to February 2004 while on a work assignment. “He’s not as bad as he has been made out to be. He’s a good man,” Larry Steck said.

But Anderson said a prison sentence, followed by two years of supervision and registration as a sex offender, was necessary because Steck was in a position of authority and trust when the crimes were committed.

“It is my hope that this pattern of activity does not repeat itself,” Anderson said.

With good behavior, Steck can get out of prison in 18 months.