(10/11/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Kevin D. Thompson, 27, a social studies teacher and 8th grade boys basketball coach at South Beloit Junior High in South Beloit, Illinois has reportedly been arrested on allegations of an improper relationship with a 13-year-old female student.

Reportedly, Thompson is charged with two counts of indecent solicitation of a child, two counts of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, one count of indecent solicitation to meet a child and four counts of battery.

Following his arrest, Thompson was booked into the Winnebago County Jail on $100,000 bond and was reportedly released after posting 10-percent of that amount. Bond was conditioned on Thompson not having any contact with the alleged victim or anyone under the age of 18.

Reportedly, Thompson has been placed on administrative leave by the school system.

Case Update

Kevin D. Thompson was in Winnebago County Circuit Court Thursday where his case was reassigned to Judge Gary Pumilia.

Last week, Thompson pleaded not guilty to four felony counts of indecent solicitation of a child, one felony count of solicitation to meet a child, and four misdemeanor counts of battery.

(09/04/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Wesley “Wes” Owens, 52, a teacher at Antioch Upper Grade School in Antioch, Illinois has reportedly been arrested on allegations of having an “inappropriate relationship” with a female former student.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Owens was charged today with two counts of criminal sexual assault.

It is alleged that the improper relationsip had occurred several years ago when the girl was 15 years of age and that the alleged victim had been sexually abused by Owen starting in 1997.

Reportedly, Owens came to the attention of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office by way of Wheaton police who received a tip regarding the alleged relationship between Owens and the former student.

Investigators contacted the victim, who now lives in Massachusetts, and she acknowledged that a relationship between Owens and herself had taken place. Sheriff investigators then flew the alleged victim to Lake County to take her sworn statement after which they arrested and charged Owens.

Following his arrest, Owens was being held in the Lake County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.

09/08/09 – Additional Charges Filed

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed four additional charges against Wes Owens. The new charges include two counts of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The “tip” which resulted in the investigation of Owens and his initial arrest reportedly came from Kenneth Lee Johnson, a former social studies teacher at Antioch Upper Grade School, who was earlier this summer sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for possession of child pornography.

Reportedly, Johnson did not receive any reduced sentencing or other benefits for making a report about Owens.

10/26/09 – Grand Jury Indictment

A McHenry County grand jury has reportedly indicted Wes L. Owens on three additional charges.

According to the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s office, Owens initially faced only four charges in McHenry County. However, a review of police reports and other evidence revealed more allegations from the former student, leading to the three added counts from the grand jury.

(10/23/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Jennifer Diane Bland, 23, a Spanish teacher at Durand High School in Durand, Illinois has reportedly been arrested on allegations of having inappropriate contact with four male students.

Reportedly, Bland initially faced 6 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and following arraignment she was released on $20,000 bond.

It is alleged that Bland had sexual contact with four male students who are between the ages of 14 and 17, with the first alleged incident occurring last spring and the most recent alleged incidents occurring in September and October.

Three hours after posting bond Thursday night, Bland was re-arrested after two additional students come forward, saying they had sexual relations with Bland.

As a result of the latest allegations, Bland is now facing a total of 19 charges, including twelve counts aggravated criminal sexual abuse, six counts of criminal sexual assault and one count of solicitation to meet a minor.

Bond for Bland was increased to $250,000 and she was being held in the Winnebago County jail in lieu of bond.

Bland came to the attention of the Durand Police when a call came in expressing concerns about Bland’s behavior. Durand Police requested assistance from the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and an investigation was begun.

Bland’s next court date is set for November 19th.

Reportedly, Bland has been placed on paid administrative leave by the school system.