Former Aurora teacher convicted of sexual abuse of a child younger than 13

ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP – A Kane County jury on Monday found a former Aurora School District 131 teacher guilty of three counts each of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office announced in a news release.

Kane County Assistant State’s Attorneys Matthew Rodgers and Jessica Michels presented evidence that between August 2016 and June 2017 Juan C. Avendano, 65, made sexual contact with the victim who was younger than 13 years old.

Avendano, an Aurora resident, was the victim’s teacher at Bardwell Elementary School in Aurora, the release stated.

Kane County Judge Salvatore LoPiccolo, Jr., set Avendano’s next court appearance for Sept. 29 for motions and to set a sentencing date.

In addition to his prison term, Avendano must register for life as a sexual offender in accordance with the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act.

Avendano had been free on $25,000 bond. LoPiccolo revoked bond upon conviction and ordered Avendano into custody at the Kane County jail.

Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child is a Class X felony, punishable by six to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a Class 2 felony, punishable by four to seven years in prison and fines up to $25,000, or up to 48 months of probation.

Rodgers stated in the release that, “Mr. Avendano selfishly exploited the teacher-student relationship.”

“Sadly, the vast majority of child sexual abuse victims are preyed upon by adults they know and should be able to trust,” Rodgers stated in the release. “Thankfully, when this survivor spoke up to a friend about the sexual abuse, the friend listened and told an adult.”