A former Des Plaines middle school teacher was charged Tuesday with one felony and one misdemeanor for allegedly "sexting" an ex-student of his from McHenry.
Jack Pickup, 34, was arrested at his parents' Barrington home after he allegedly sent a picture of his genitals to the 15-year-old former student. He was subsequently charged by officials from the McHenry County Sheriff's office with grooming, a class IV felony with a possible sentence of 1 to 3 years, and the sexual exploitation of a child, a misdemeanor with a possible sentence of up to a year in prison, according to the Daily Herald.
The girl's parents reported Pickup to the authorities after learning the former teacher was communicating with her online and over the phone, according to the sheriff's office.
The girl met Pickup when she was a student of his at Chippewa Middle School in Des Plaines, and began texting with him after graduating from the eighth grade. The text message communication grew to an online relationship in 2011, officials told the Herald.
Pickup didn't begin sexting with the girl until around June 24.
Pickup is no longer a teacher with the Des Plaines Elementary District 62 after resigning in June 2011, according to the Herald. There has been no official comment from the district.
Pickup, who was released Thursday from McHenry County Jail on $10,000 dollar bond, is expected to appear in court July 9.
