Robert Mueller, Hinsdale Central High School’s head varsity boys basketball coach who is accused of having a relationship with an underage student, was released from the DuPage County Jail Wednesday after posting a $15,000 cash bond.
Mueller, 42, of Woodridge was arrested and charged Tuesday with two counts of criminal sexual assault involving the female student.
Assistant DuPage State’s Atty. Alex McGimpsey told Judge Cary Pierce in Bond Court Wednesday that investigators believe the relationship between Mueller and the student “began in October 2002 when the student was 15 and continued to when she is 17. We believe the relationship was ongoing and frequent.”
The investigation began last month after school officials received an anonymous letter.
“The weight of the evidence includes an eyewitness that observed inappropriate conduct in a car,” said McGimpsey, who said the contact took place in the school and Mueller’s car.
McGimpsey asked for a $200,000 bond, which would require 10 percent cash or $20,000, for Mueller’s release.
Joseph Bugos, Mueller’s defense attorney, asked for a $50,000 bond, requiring $5,000 cash. “There was never any coercion or force. He has been a respected educator for over 20 years,” Bugos said.
Mueller appeared in an orange jail jumpsuit on a video screen in Bond Court as he answered Pierce’s questions in a subdued voice, saying he has no criminal record, has no other pending criminal cases, uses no alias and has been employed at Hinsdale Central High School for 16 years.
Bugos said Mueller has been suspended from all educational and sports activities at the school where he was a science teacher and boys basketball coach.
School officials released a statement Wednesday saying they were “shocked and saddened” by Mueller’s arrest, adding he has been suspended with pay until the investigation is complete.
The school’s principal, James Ferguson, addressed students at the beginning of first period, the release stated.
“Our staff does not take for granted the degree of trust that you as students place in us. We regret that this trust may have been violated,” he told students. “Today, I want to assure you that your health, safety and well-being remains our top priority here.”
Ferguson also spoke to the entire staff before school, and provided copies of the state’s attorney’s office’s news release describing Mueller’s arrest.
Mueller made no comment when released from the jail, as he hugged members of his family before driving away.
DuPage State’s Atty. Joseph Birkett said that Mueller, if convicted, could be sentenced to as much as 30 years in prison.
Mueller is to be arraigned March 29 before Judge Kathryn Creswell.
Steve Dimovski was the Westmont High School head boys varsity basketball coach in 1999 when he was accused of having a continuing sexual relationship with a female student.
Dimovski, who was removed as coach, accepted a plea bargain in 2001 and was sentenced to 3 years in prison. He was released from prison last year..
