At a pre-trial hearing today in 19th District Lake County Circuit Court, Ronald D. Culver appeared briefly with his attorney, Steven Simonian in front of Circuit Court Judge Daniel B. Shanes and was granted permission to reschedule his date. The new pre-trial date is Tuesday, April 26.
The original date for the actual trial was to be Monday, April 4, but that also has been rescheduled to Monday, May 9.
"We're still looking at some different things," said Simonian. "The pre-trial phase just takes time. This is fairly typical. We're still getting things in order."
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"There's nothing new or unusual going on," said Fred Day, assistant Lake County state's attorney. "The defense needed more time. There's still a lot to look at."
Culver, 52, of Inverness, is charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of two Lake Zurich High School students, according to court records. The charges are considered a Class 2 felony. If convicted on any of the 10 counts, Culver could face three to seven years in prison.
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Culver was arrested and charged on Oct. 29, 2010 by the Lake Zurich police with aggravated sexual abuse against one student. He immediately resigned from Lake Zurich High School, where he taught English and drama. Shortly thereafter, a second student came forward and made a similar claim, according to Lake Zurich police.
Culver posted $25,000 bond, 10 percent of his total bond of $250,000 after his arrest. The new April 26, date will be his third pre-trial meeting.
