Crime & Safety
Karate Teacher Accused of Sexually Assaulting Minors
The alleged assaults happened in a South Elgin karate school, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.
A suburban martial arts instructor who was indicted last year in DuPage County for sexually preying on a minor has been indicted in Kane County for having sexual contact with two minors.
Dean Fuerstenberg, 43, of Eden Prairie, MN., was indicted Tuesday by a Kane County grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual assault, each a Class 1 felony, and six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, each a Class 2 felony. The alleged sex acts took place at a South Elgin karate school.
According to the indictment, between June 1, 2003, and Nov. 30, 2005, Fuerstenberg took advantage of his position of trust, supervision or authority as a karate instructor and engaged in sexual acts with two females who were between ages 13 and 18. Fuerstenberg is at least five years older than the victims.
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After grand jury, a set Fuerstenberg’s bail at $750,000, and set a court appearance of 9 a.m. Feb. 3 in front of Associate Judge James C. Hallock.
In August, Fuerstenberg was indicted in DuPage County on two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, each a Class X felony, and four counts of criminal sexual assault, each a Class 1 felony.
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DuPage County prosecutors allege that between May 2001 and May 2006 at a Roselle martial arts school, Fuerstenberg engaged in sexual acts with a victim younger than 17.
Fuerstenberg’s next appearance in that case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 29 in Courtroom 4012 at the DuPage County Courthouse in Wheaton. Fuerstenberg has been in custody at the DuPage County jail in Wheaton in lieu of $700,000 bail.
The Kane County case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information about Fuerstenberg should call Det. Sgt. Mike Doty at the South Elgin Police Department at 847-741-2151.
The charges are not proof of guilt. Fuerstenberg is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Information edited from a news release provided by the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.
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