States Attorney
DARIEN MAN CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL SEXUAL ABUSE
Faces Three to Seven Years in the Illinois Department of Corrections
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse charges have been filed against Paul Graff, 34 (d.o.b. 8/25/72) of 7724 Lester Lane, Darien. Graff was arrested today and released after posting $30,000 of his $300,000 bond.
The charges stem from allegations that Graff, after befriending the family of his victim, repeatedly abused the young girl over the course of numerous years beginning in approximately 1996 when the girl was in grade school. On one occasion, Graff allegedly showered naked with the girl at a local Pool where he was employed as a lifeguard. On another occasion Graff allegedly fondled the girl while at her home.
“These charges allege that Paul Graff gained the trust of an innocent young girl and her family only to betray that trust in the worst possible way,” commented Birkett. “I would like to thank this young girl for having the courage to come forward and supply us with the information that led to today’s charges. I would also like to thank the DuPage Children’s Center and the Department of Children and Family Services for their professionalism and assistance in helping us prepare this very disturbing case.”
As a result of these allegations, Graff is currently on leave from Wesmere Elementary School in Plainfield, Illinois where he is employed as a Health and Physical Education teacher.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Any person with additional information regarding this defendant is encouraged to contact the DuPage Children’s Center at (630) 407-2750 or DCFS at (800) 25-ABUSE.
###
