Retired Teacher Exposed Himself to Child, Produced Child Porn: Police

A retired West Aurora High School teacher is facing several charges for 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, according to a release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

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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, according to the release.

James was taken into custody by Aurora police on Jan. 7 and is in custody at the Kane County jail. James was in Kane County bond court Friday. Bail was set at $300,000.

His next court appearance is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 15 in front of Circuit Judge John A. Barsanti in Courtroom 319 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

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 release said.

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 the the Aurora Police Dept. at 630-256-5500 or the Kane County Child Advocacy Center at 630-208-5160.