Sex case involving former Streator High teacher moves closer to a conclusion

A decision could come as early as next week in the case of a former Streator teacher and coach accused of having sexual contact with a student.

26-year-old Rylee VanMelkebeke is due back in La Salle County Court next Thursday for a final pre-trial hearing. If a plea deal isn’t reached by then, he could go to trial the following week.

VanMelkebeke was arrested in late May at Streator High School for aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He resigned as a P.E. and driver’s education teacher along with giving up coaching football, girls’ basketball and girls’ track.

VanMelkebeke has been in jail since his arrest. He needs $15,000 to be let out of jail.