A new sentencing date of Feb. 2 has been set for former teacher Nicole Jacobsen, who pleaded guilty last year to the sexual abuse of a Mundelein middle school student in 2010.
Defense attorney Greg Nikitas asked for a sentencing delay Wednesday morning because he had been wrapped up for more than a week in double-jury murder trial. Guilty verdicts came in late Tuesday in that case.
“Because of the trial I didn’t get a chance to finalize everything with [Jacobsen],” Nikitas said.
Jacobsen’s sentencing had been scheduled for Wednesday.
The 43-year-old Barrington woman pleaded guilty last year to one count of criminal sexual abuse, a Class 4 felony that carries a potential sentencing range of one to three years in prison. The charge also can result in a probationary sentence.
She had faced a more serious charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse before agreeing to plead guilty to the lesser charge.
Jacobsen remained free from custody after posting 10 percent of a $500,000 bond while hearings have been delayed several times, with reasons ranging from time conflicts to medical issues.
Assistant State’s Attorney Victor O’Block and Nikitas have discussed a proposed negotiated sentence, but Judge Victoria Rossetti will ultimately decide the matter.
Jacobsen was an eighth-grade teacher at West Oak Middle School when the incident involving a 14-year-old male student occurred in a classroom on May 13, 2010, after a volleyball game. Jacobsen was working as a resource teacher for students with learning disabilities when the abuse occurred.
Police and prosecutors said Jacobsen fondled the student.
An investigation was opened after the boy’s older brother found messages on the 14-year-old’s Facebook account between the boy and Jacobsen, including one from the teacher that read “I love you and can’t wait to see you,” officials said.
She resigned her position after charges were filed.
Under questioning from Rossetti when the plea agreement was presented in court, O’Block said the victim, who is now of age, and his family were in agreement with the plea deal.