Ex-Streator High coach and teacher sent to prison for sex with a minor

A former Streator teacher and coach will serve prison time for having sex with a student.

Twenty-six-year-old Rylee VanMelkebeke pleaded guilty to criminal sexual assault and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He’ll likely serve just over five years.

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.