Additional sex charges against West Aurora band teacher

More charges were leveled Friday against a West Aurora High School band teacher accused of having sex with two of his female students.

A Kane County grand jury indicted Stephen Orland, 42, of the 2700 block of Bauer Road, North Aurora, on three counts of criminal sexual assault, 13 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and 11 counts of misdemeanor battery.

Orland surrendered to authorities in May after he was charged with three counts of criminal sexual assault and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Friday’s charges accuse Orland of abusing his position of authority and trust by having sexual encounters and sexual contact with two students from October 2010 through April 2011 in the band room and storage room at the school, and in Orland’s car after a band concert in December.

“The new counts involve the same two victims who were part of the initial criminal complaint,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said in a prepared statement. “We are not alleging additional acts. We added counts to clarify and more appropriately prosecute this case with respect to the victims. As an investigation progresses, it is not uncommon at indictment to add counts from the initial criminal complaint.”

Orland is free on $10,000 while his case is pending. He is next due in court Aug. 19.

Philip Nathe, Orland’s defense attorney, said the presumption of innocence should remain with his client even though he was charged with 27 more crimes Friday.

“After everything is said and done, Stephen will be acquitted of the charges,” Nathe said.

If convicted, Orland could face up to 45 years in prison and would have to register as a sex offender.

District 129 school board President Neal Ormond said Orland has been on paid administrative leave since his initial arrest. Ormond declined to comment on the case or the new charges.

Aurora police say the investigation is still open and anyone with more information should call (630) 256-5500.