Bail set for Illinois teacher accused of sexually abusing 16-year-old boy

NAPERVILLE, IL -- A 44-year-old Naperville, Ill. teacher appeared in court on Sunday, accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy.

Christine Taylor, a language arts teacher at Jefferson Middle School, faces one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. A DuPage County judge set her bail at $300,000.

On New Year's Day, Taylor had the 16-year-old boy and his mother over to her Naperville apartment for pizza, DuPage County Sheriff's officials said. The boy was not her student, officials said.

Around 9 p.m., police said Taylor convinced the victim's mother to allow him to walk Taylor's dog with her. Instead of walking the dog, Taylor allegedly took the boy to her bedroom and sexually abused him, police said.

The victim's mother allegedly caught Taylor sexually abusing the boy, and another resident of Taylor's home then called police, police said.

Taylor had been at Jefferson Middle School for several years, however, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 officials said she has been placed on administrative leave and is not allowed in any district schools pending an investigation.

"Naperville 203 takes allegations of staff misconduct very seriously and student safety is our number one priority. We will continue to work with the Naperville Police Department on this matter and counselors are available for students when they return to school should they require assistance," District 203 officials said in a statement.

Students return from winter break on Wednesday. Counselors will be available for students, if needed.