Lake Zurich Teacher Charged With Sex Abuse
LAKE ZURICH (WBBM/STMW) -- A Lake Zurich High School drama teacher has been arrested and charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse stemming from an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student.
Newsradio 780's Debra Dale reports, 51-year-old Ronald Culver, of Inverness, turned himself into Lake Zurich police Monday night and was released on $10,000 bond.
Police Commander Kevin Finlon says the student told school officials about the alleged abuse on Thursday. School officials immediately notified police who launched an investigation.
Culver resigned from his position at Lake Zurich High School on Friday. He had been a teacher in Lake Zurich District 95 since 1994 and was honored in February 2007 by the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce as "Educator of the Year."
LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Debra Dale Reports
Podcast
Finlon would not release the age or gender of the student involved, and refused to say whether the relationship between Culver and victim was consensual.
Finlon said there is no indication that Culver had inappropriate contact with any other students.
Culver is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Lake County Court in Waukegan on Nov. 18. If convicted, Culver faces up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
Supt. Mike Egan described the mood at Lake Zurich High School as "shock" and disbelief. "It's a sad day within the high school," he said.
