Teacher Smackdown

In Paris, Illinois, high-school teacher Fred W. Fischer, 28, is charged with criminal sexual assault after being arrested for having sex with a 17-year-old female student. According to Paris police, the sexual relationship with the teenaged student appeared to be consensual.

However, in Illinois, such a relationship is illegal even though the legal age of consent in Illinois is 17. However, because Fischer had a position of authority over the girl, 18 is the legal age of consent.

Fischer taught math at Paris High School. He also coached track and football. School officials say that when Fischer was hired, he underwent a full background check. The school district says they have no evidence that any inappropriate activity took place at school, on school property or at any school-related function.

When the school learned of the sexual relationship between the student and Fischer, they acted quickly and appropriately. They sarted an immediate investigation, called child protective services (who then called police) and immediately removed Fischer from the classroom. The police then interviewed Fischer adn the victim multiple times, which ultimately lead to his arrest.

The state attorney asked the court to impose a $50,000 bond. He also wanted the bond order to contain a no-contact (with the victim) provision. Fischer, who was accompanied by a union representative (aaaah, union benefits) asked the court to set the bond as low as possible since he has no priors and feels he is not a flight risk. He said he also needed to be out so he could work since he “lost his job” when actually he is suspended with pay. (I don’t know if this guy is a lier or just an idiot.)

The court set Fischer’s bond at $35,000 with a no-contact order. He is now out of jail after posting $3,500. Fischer faces four to 15 years in prison if convicted on the class one felony charge. My guess is that he will probably get probation, be added to the sex offender roles, and lose his teaching license all due to the victim’s age and Fischer’s clean record.