Illinois Teacher Accused of Sex with Boy

(Chicago, Illinois) A 24-year-old language arts teacher and boys cross-country coach at Rich South High School, Sarah L. Tolzien, was charged this week, after a five-month investigation, with felony sexual assault of a 16-year-old male student.

The sexual activity between Tolzien and the boy, a member of the cross country team, occurred in Matteson while she gave him rides home on Nov. 14 and Nov. 17, according to police.

They said the boy's mother found text messages on his cell phone between him and Tolzien that were sexual in nature, and she notified police in late November.

The boy initially denied having sex with Tolzien but later admitted that it had occurred on two occasions when she drove him home, police said. He also told police Tolzien gave him a bottle of cologne and a card for his birthday.

When questioned by police, Tolzien admitted exchanging the sexual messages with the teen but denied that any sexual activity occurred.

Tolzien was booked into custody with bail set at $10,000. A court appearance is scheduled for April 15.