Former Grant teacher charged with sexual assault of student

A former Grant High School teacher who resigned from her job six weeks ago amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student is facing criminal charges.

Amber Kraus, 30, formerly of the 0-100 block of Belvidere Road in Grayslake, has been charged with criminal sexual assault of a victim between the ages of 13 and 17, Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Stephen Scheller said Wednesday. Kraus, who now lives in Mundelein, also has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse for violating a position of trust and authority over the teen victim, Scheller said.

She faces 15 years in prison if found guilty of the sexual assault charge, and another 7 years if found guilty of criminal abuse, officials said.

Scheller said the former teacher admitted to having "some sexual contact with the victim," not sexual intercourse.

But the victim told police the two exchanged inappropriate photos of each other and had sexual intercourse at Kraus' Grayslake apartment, said Scheller, who also confirmed the victim was a Grant student.

Scheller said Kraus is free from jail after posting the required 10 percent of her $100,000 bail. As part of her bail conditions, she is on a 6 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew, is not allowed to have contact with any minors under the age of 18 and is not allowed to have any contact with the victim.

Grayslake Police Chief Phil Perlini confirmed Kraus was arrested and charged at 8:15 a.m. Nov. 7, but he said because the active court case involves a juvenile, no further information will be released.

Kraus' defense attorney, Jeff Nutschnig, did not comment Wednesday.

The eighth-year science teacher resigned from the Fox Lake-area high school Oct. 9 after the relationship came to light. School officials sent a letter to parents regarding the resignation, saying it was an "isolated incident that occurred away from campus and involved no other students."

Grant High School District 124 Superintendent Christie Sefcik said she could not comment on the charges when contacted Wednesday morning.

Kraus is due back in court Dec. 3 for a preliminary hearing.