FORMER BASKETBALL COACH’S CONVICTION AND SENTENCE UPHELD

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that the Second District Appellate Court of Illinois has upheld the conviction and sentence of former Hinsdale Central High School science teacher and boys varsity basketball coach Robert J. Mueller, 45 (d.o.b. 3/23/61).  On December 18, 2006, Mueller was found guilty of eight counts of Criminal Sexual Assault after it was discovered that he was involved in two improper relationships with female students at the high school who were under the age of 18.  On March 1, 2007, Mueller was sentenced to 32 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for his crimes.

  “I am very pleased with this opinion handed down by the Appellate Court,” remarked Birkett.  “All children in our society and must be protected.  School is a place where children should be nurtured and educated, not victimized.  Anyone who preys upon our unsuspecting youth to satisfy their own desires will be held fully accountable for their actions.”

Justice ­­Bowman delivered the opinion, which was filed on March 17, with Justice McLaren concurring.  Justice O’Malley concurred in part and dissented in part.

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