Mokena Man Assaulted High School Girl, Police Say

A Mokena man who teaches science at Metea Valley High School in Aurora has been accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with one of his students and now faces criminal charges.

Naperville police filed charges today against Robert C. Smith, 27, after they found he was having a sexual relationship with a teen-aged girl.

Smith, of the 19600 block of Foxford Lane in Mokena, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault, each a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Police said the victim is between 13 and 18 years old.

Police were contacted on Sept. 28 by the school resource officer at Metea, according to a news release from the Naperville Police Department. The sexual contact took place in Naperville, police said.

"A subsequent investigation between the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office/Children Center and the Naperville Police Department revealed a sexual relationship …" stated the release. "Currently this is an ongoing investigation; however at this time, only one student has been identified as having been involved with the teacher."

Smith completed a background check — as is required for all district employees — prior to his employment at Metea, officials said. He worked for one year at Waubonsie Valley High School before transferring to Metea in 2009.

Metea Valley High School Principal Jim Schmid sent a districtwide ConnectNet voicemail to parents Sept. 29.

"Your child may have heard rumors today at school regarding a staff member," he said in the message. "I want to let you know that this is a personnel matter that is currently under police investigation. Authorities have advised us to not provide any further details at this time in order to not jeopardize the investigation. Please note that no students are in any danger as a result of this ongoing investigation."

Kathy Birkett, superintendent for the Indian Prairie School District, sent an e-mail to parents today stressing that student safety is at the forefront of the district.

"That's why I am deeply troubled to learn that Robert Smith, a teacher at Metea Valley High School, is being charged with sexual misconduct with a student," stated Birkett. "Smith was immediately removed from all his duties and responsibilities and placed on administrative leave.

"This is now a matter for law enforcement officials to handle, while we focus on the well-being of our students," Birkett stated in the letter. "We are providing support in the school for any student who may need to discuss this issue. If your student is seeking support at school, please direct him or her to speak with the social worker or guidance counselor in their class house."