CHICAGO (AP) — A former Chicago Public Schools worker has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student.
Idris L. Bridgeforth was found guilty Thursday of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and indecent solicitation.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports (http://bit.ly/1pXau0B) the 42-year-old Bridgeforth of Riverside was a career service employee at Ashburn Elementary School when he was arrested in 2012.
Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Ciaccia said Bridgeforth, who was a basketball and softball coach at the Ashburn, often fondled the girl between December 2011 and June 2012 while giving her a ride home from practices and games.
Bridgeforth also sent the girl suggestive messages, which were discovered by the girl’s mother, who contacted the school.
Ciaccia says Bridgeforth faces up to 22 years in prison when sentenced.
