A former Golfview Elementary School teacher and youth soccer coach for the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township has been found guilty of eight felony counts of predatory criminal sexual assault.
A Kane County jury found 64-year-old Carlos A. Bedoya guilty of all eight felony charges on August 9. According to prosecutors, Bedoya sexually assaulted a victim who was under 13 years of age several times between August 2015 and June 2016. These assaults occurred at Bedoya’s home in Lake in the Hills, at Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee, and at Golfview Elementary School in Carpentersville, where he was working as a substitute teacher.
Bedoya faces at least 48 years in prison and must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. He has a sentencing court date scheduled for October 3.
Another five criminal cases are pending against Bedoya, which involve similar allegations of sexual abuse and 11 other victims.
Bedoya remains in custody at the Kane County Jail. He has been held there on $4.85 million bail since his arrest in 2017.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea represents victims of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits. Brian has offered to share some thoughts regarding the legal rights of those who have been sexually abused by teachers and coaches:
Sexual predators are often found in positions of trust, including as teachers and youth sports coaches. Sadly, these predators are often close to their victims. Schools, youth sports organizations, and other institutions that involve adults working with children must do everything they can to protect the children under their watch from sexual predators.
In cases of sexual abuse involving teachers, coaches, and other trusted individuals, it’s important to investigate both the accused and the organization or institution. In some cases, a school or youth sports organization may be liable for failing to prevent or stop the abuse through negligence – such as failing to run background checks.
If you or your child is a survivor of sexual abuse by a teacher, coach, or someone else in a position of trust, you can learn more about your family’s legal rights by speaking with an experienced sex abuse victims attorney in a free consultation.