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2 years probation for ex-state worker guilty of misconduct

A 44-year-old South Elgin man and former state public aid worker pleaded guilty to felony misconduct Thursday and was sentenced to two years probation and fined nearly $2,200.

Esteban Figueroa, who officials say has since been fired from the Department of Human Services, admitted in Kane County court to asking a client at the state’s Elgin public aid office in May 2011 to send him nude pictures in exchange for having the client’s public aid renewed.

As part of the plea agreement, which was accepted by Kane County Judge Marmarie Kostelny, prosecutors dismissed charges that Figueroa also offered a sexual favor to another man at the department’s Aurora office, had an inappropriate conversation with him in June 2010, and ultimately did not reinstate the man’s state-funded medical benefits.

Figueroa faced up to five years in prison on each of the two misconduct cases, but probation also was an option.

He had no previous criminal record.

Figueroa, of the 600 block of Dean Street, also is to have no contact with either man and must undergo a psychiatric evaluation at the Kane County Diagnostic Center. He is next due in court on Aug. 23 for an update on the evaluation.

“If there are any recommendations they have, (Figueroa) would have to follow those,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Danielle Bechtold, who added it was her understanding that Figueroa had been fired form his job.

Figueroa spent about two weeks in jail before his ex-wife posted $7,000 bond so he could be free while his case was pending.

A message left with Figueroa’s defense attorney, Eric Pittman, was not returned.

South Elgin man accused of misconduct as state worker

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