A June 1 sentencing is scheduled for a former Ridgeview music teacher who pleaded guilty last week to criminal sexual assault of a former high school student.
David Rotchford of Normal was charged in July with 17 counts of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving two victims, both former students. In an open plea agreement with the state, the music instructor pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault in exchange for dismissal of 16 other charges.
Rotchford faces a minimum of four years in prison. He must serve 85% of his sentence.
The sentencing hearing may include victim impact statements from the former students.
In the statement at Rotchford’s bond hearing shortly after his arrest, prosecutors said the teacher’s misconduct dated back to at least fall 2012. A former student told McLean County Sheriff’s Department investigators she had a romantic relationship with Rotchford, starting when she was a 17-year-old Ridgeview High School student.
Authorities initiated an investigation into Rotchford’s illegal activities after they received complaints about inappropriate text messages he sent to several former female students. One victim told police she had a sexual relationship with Rotchford after the two began exchanging test messages following a school trip to Disney. The girl was 16 at the time.
In addition to his work as a music teacher, the 35-year-old defendant also served as the eighth grade girls basketball coach.
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