Former VIVA! teacher gets probation in abuse case

DIXON – A former Dixon vocal teacher, accused of abusing a student, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery and was given 2 years probation.

Robert K. Campbell, 33, of DeKalb, pleaded guilty to committing "insulting or provoking conduct" in summer 2012 against a 16-year-old boy who was Campbell's student at Dixon's VIVA! Performing Arts School.

Campbell was indicted on three counts of felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse, but pleaded down to the misdemeanor charge as part of a plea agreement reached in June.

He was sentenced to 2 years probation and ordered to have no contact with the victim.

The student sent an email about the abuse to Dixon Public Schools administrators, who contacted the police. Two other VIVA! employees, Curt Schmitt and Tim Boles, were arrested on misdemeanor charges for failure to report abuse, but those charges were dropped.