Local High School Teacher Charged With Sex Assault

Naperville police filed charges today against a Metea Valley High School science teacher after they found he was having a sexual relationship with one of his female students.

Robert C. Smith, 27, was arrested around 6 p.m. Monday at his home in the 19600 block of Foxford Lane in Mokena. He was charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault, each a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He is a physics teacher and a track coach at Metea Valley and police said his victim is between 13 and 17 years old.

Although Metea is located in Aurora, the inappropriate behavior took place at a hotel in Naperville, police said. They were contacted on Sept. 28 by the school resource officer at Metea, according to a news release from the Naperville Police Department.

"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."

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."

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.

He remained in custody around 1 p.m. today at the DuPage County Jail, where his bail was set at $300,000. He would have to post $30,000 in order to be released.

"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.