Sex Abuse Trial Continues for Former Bremen Coach Accused of Fondling Students

A New Lenox resident accused of fondling his students at Bremen High School returned to court Thursday, but the trial was continued.

Ross Larson, 26, of the 800 block of Western Avenue in New Lenox, was charged in January 2011 with indecent solicitation and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

He was given a continuance today by Judge Luciano Panici at Cook County Circuit Court in Markham and ordered to return to court on Aug. 28.

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Larson was a subsitute teacher and boys basketball coach at in Midlothian and was charged in January 2011. Despite the time lapse, the case remains in pretrial status, according to Andy Conklin, spokesman for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

Larson arrived to court surrounded by his family and defense attorney Tom O'Brien, whose practice is based in Mokena. The reason for the continuance was not made public. O'Brien declined to comment about the case.

The victims in the case told officials that several incidents occurred between October and December of 2010, according to Andy Conklin, spokesperson for the Cook County State's Attorney.

The charges were filed in connection with incidents involving three girls, ages 16, 17 and 18.

The 17-year-old victim claims she met Larson at a school football game, Conklin said. The two began exchanging Facebook and text messages, and eventually they shared nude photos, police said.

In November 2010, the victim claimed that Larson had "kept her after class to clean up equipment," Conklin said. "He touched her breasts and buttocks over the clothes." 

In another incident, police say Larson posed the idea of having sex at the same time with the 16-year-old as well as the 18-year-old. Conklin said Larson sent nude photos to the 16-year-old, who then notified Bremen High School personnel.

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