Ex-teacher charged with sex assault of minor

by: Lisa Black

A northwest suburban high school teacher who resigned her job amid allegations of inappropriate contact with a student has been charged with sexual assault, according to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office.

Amber Kraus, 30, formerly of Grayslake, also faces an additional count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, said Cynthia Trujillo Vargas, spokeswoman for the office.

Kraus resigned in October from her job as a teacher at Grant Community High School near Fox Lake, according to the district.

Kraus was released after paying $10,000, or 10 percent of the required bond. She is due in court for a preliminary hearing Dec. 3, Vargas said.

School officials received information regarding the alleged inappropriate contact on Oct. 6, according to a letter sent home to parents by Grant Community High School District 124 Superintendent Christine Sefcik.

School officials said they contacted the police immediately. Sefcik stated in a news release that the alleged incident appears to be isolated, involved no other students and took place outside of the school.

“We have no reason to believe anyone else has come forward,” Vargas said.

She encouraged others to come forward if they have additional information.

Grayslake police are investigating the matter because the alleged contact took place at Kraus’ former residence there, Vargas said. Kraus has since moved to Mundelein, officials said.

If found guilty of criminal sexual assault involving a victim aged 13 to 17, a Class 1 felony, Krause could face up to 15 years in jail. A second charge of aggravated sexual abuse carries up to seven years in jail.

This article was written by Lisa Black and originally published on chicagotribune