A former north suburban high school teacher was sentenced to 2 1/2 years probation Thursday for sexually abusing a 16-year-old student of the school, the News-Sun is reporting.



Amber Kraus, 30, of Mundelein, pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony, and could have faced up to seven years in prison if convicted.



The plea agreement requires that Kraus register as a sexual predator for the rest of her life, have no contact with the victim or Grant High School, and have no contact with anyone under 17.

She also must make a $500 donation to the Lake County Child Advocacy Center, perform 150 hours of community service, and complete any sex offender treatment or probation services deemed necessary by the court.



According to Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Grindel, Krause engaged in sexual contact with the 16-year-old in the early fall of 2013 at her former home in Grayslake.



Grant High School in Fox Lake learned of the incident and notified police in early October. During an investigation, Grindell said the victim reported details of the incident to police.



Kraus, who has been free on a $100,000 bond since her arrest, made no comment in court other than to respond to questions from Judge James Booras, who approved the negotiated plea.



She was scheduled to stand trial July 14 on one count of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. In exchange for her guilty plea, the other charges were dropped.



Kraus resigned her position at the school in October. Grant High sent out a statement after her arrest stating police immediately were contacted, and the incident appeared to have been isolated.