Former Metea teacher begins sentence for sexually assaulting student
A former physics teacher at Metea Valley High School in Aurora reported to a DuPage County courtroom Tuesday to begin serving a six-year prison term for sexually assaulting a student at a Naperville hotel.
Robert C. Smith, 28, embraced and shook hands with more than a dozen relatives, friends and other supporters before he was taken into custody.
The Mokena man pleaded guilty in March to criminal sexual assault in exchange for the sentence imposed Tuesday by Judge John Kinsella. He must serve at least five years and register as a sex offender.
“You're going to be a relatively young man when you get out of the penitentiary,” Kinsella told him. “This could be your first visit to the Department (of Corrections) or your last. That depends on you.”
Prosecutors said Smith was in a position of trust and authority when he took one of his female physics students, then age 16, to a Naperville hotel and engaged in a sex act in September 2010. The hotel was about two miles away from Metea Valley.
After he came under investigation, Smith confessed and wrote an apology to the victim and her family, authorities said.
“He was clearly one of the most remorseful clients I've ever had,” defense attorney Brian Telander said. “Once he serves his sentence, I'm sure he's going to do well. He has a wonderful, supportive family.”
Smith, who had no prior criminal history, had taught in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 since 2008 and previously worked at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora.
Metea Valley immediately removed him as a teacher amid the allegations.