Former Aurora Teacher Faces Child Pornography Charges
An Aurora man faces criminal charges for possessing multiple images of child pornography.
Robert L. James, 61, of the 1600 block of Garfield Avenue, Aurora, is charged with two counts of producing child pornography, each a Class X felony, six counts of possession of child pornography, each a Class 2 felony, indecent solicitation of a child, a Class 3 felony, and sexual exploitation of a child, a Class 4 felony.
Authorities allege that sometime before Aug. 14, 2015, James produced multiple images of child pornography, and has been in possession of multiple photographic images depicting children younger than 13 years old. In addition, authorities allege that before Aug. 14, 2015, James exposed himself to a child he knew and solicited a sexual act from that child, who was younger than 13 at the time.
James is retired teacher from West Aurora High School.
James was taken into custody by Aurora police on Jan. 7, 2016, and is in custody at the Kane County jail. James appeared today in Kane County bond court. Bail was set at $300,000. James must post $30,000 to be released on bond while the charges are pending. His next court appearance is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 15, 2016, in front of Circuit Judge John A. Barsanti in Courtroom 319 at the Kane County Judicial Center.
If he posts bond, James is to have no contact with anyone younger than 18 years old.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information about this case should call their local police department, the Aurora Police Dept. at (630) 256-5500 or the Kane County Child Advocacy Center at (630) 208-5160.
If convicted of the most serious charge, James would face a minimum sentence of six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition to the prison term, James would have to register for life as a sexual offender in accordance with the Illinois Sexual Offender Registration Act.
The charges against James are not proof of guilt. James 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 news release
Robert L. James SOURCE: Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office
