Accused swim teacher pleads not guilty
A swim instructor accused of molesting two boys at a fitness center in Crystal Lake pleaded not guilty on Friday.
Rock J. Burman, 20, of the 3000 block of Mary Lane in McHenry, faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a felony that carries a typical sentence of three to seven years in prison.
Authorities say Burman inappropriately touched two male swimming students, both younger than 13, while giving lessons at the Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center in Crystal Lake in March.
Centegra Health System has declined to discuss Burman's employment status, saying the information is confidential, but did say the health care provider is cooperating fully with authorities.
Under a state law allowing defendants to change judges within 10 days of the case being assigned, Burman's attorney, Jeffrey Altman, earlier this month moved his client's case from McHenry County Judge Joseph Condon's courtroom to that of Judge Sharon Prather. Altman declined to discuss his reasons for doing so.
Burman is next set to appear in court on Aug. 23. He has been free on bond since posting $10,000 on May 11.