An Oswego man who is a youth instructor at the Fox Valley Career Center at Kaneland High School faces criminal charges for having a sexual relationship with a minor.

Glen C. Baum, 42, of the 500 block of Heritage Drive, Oswego, is charged with nine counts of criminal sexual assault, each a Class 1 felony, and two counts of child pornography, each a Class 3 felony.

Prosecutors allege that between May 2014 and January 2015 Baum maintained a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old. At the time, Baum instructed high school-aged students in fire science through a vocational career training program presented at Kaneland Unit District 302 schools. The victim was one of Baum’s students. Authorities became aware of the relationship when the victim’s mother saw messages from Baum on the victim’s cell phone and notified police.

The charges reflect Baum’s position of trust, authority or supervision over the victim.

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized the charges Feb. 3, 2015. A warrant for Baum’s arrest was issued and Baum’s bail was set at $250,000.

Baum was taken into custody Feb. 4, 2015, by Oswego police and Kane County Sheriff’s deputies. When Baum appeared today (Feb. 5, 2015) in Kane County bond court, his next court appearance was set for 9 a.m. Feb. 11, 2015, in front of Circuit Judge James C. Hallock in Courtroom 311 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

If he posts bond, Baum is to have no contact with the victim, no contact with anyone younger than 18 and no Internet access.

The case remains under investigation by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with additional information should call Sgt. Brian McCarty at (630) 208-5353.

The charges against Baum are not proof of guilt. Baum is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

SOURCE: Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office press release