Kemp

Former teacher/coach arrested for sexual assault

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Steven J. Kemp, 34, 1128 Kimberly Drive, Monmouth was charged by Warren County State's Attorney Chip Algren with three counts of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Kemp is accused of having intercourse with a 17-year-old female West Central High School student on three occasions between March and August 2007. He is also accused of fondling the student's breasts on two occasions in July and August of 2007. All incidents allegedly occurred in Kemp's home.

Algren obtained an arrest warrant earlier this week and Kemp was arrested by the Illinois State Police at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Kemp resigned Oct. 22 from the high school where he taught since 2005.

Kemp also was the school's golf coach and boys basketball coach. According to GateHouse News Service, Kemp was a non-tenured probationary employee at the time of his resignation. The school board agreed to pay Kemp a $12,000 settlement after the board learned of allegations against Kemp.

Criminal sexual assault is a non-probational Class 1 felony offense, punishable by four to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for each count.

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a Class 2 felony offense and carries a possible prison term of three to seven years in prison.

Bond was set at $50,000. Kemp is being held in the Warren County Jail.