NAPERVILLE, IL – Shocking allegations have emerged in Naperville after parents of two junior high school sisters are facing charges for allegedly encouraging their daughters to physically assault a fellow student.Â
Steven Teague, 36, and Terika Thomas, 30, both residents of Naperville, have been charged with Contributing to the Criminal Delinquency of a Minor, a Class 2 Felony, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres.
The incident allegedly took place on April 3, 2023, when the victim was walking to her bus stop and was followed by two female juveniles, accompanied by their stepfather, Teague. The victim walked past her bus stop to the next one, with the juveniles and Teague following her in a vehicle. It is alleged that once at the bus stop, the juvenile girls attacked the victim, throwing her to the ground and punching her, while Teague stood by and watched, and Thomas got out of her car and encouraged the assault.
“The allegations that Steven Teague and Terika Thomas not only brought their daughters to attack a classmate but also encouraged and watched on as the beating took place are disturbing,” said State’s Attorney Berlin. “Thankfully, the victim of this attack was not seriously injured. My office takes these allegations very seriously and will prosecute these defendants to the fullest extent of the law.”
Both parents were released after posting bond.
“As parents, we have an obligation to teach our children how to appropriately navigate and resolve conflict,” said Chief of Police Arres. “Fighting is not the answer, and it’s dismaying to me that two adults would set such a poor example for children by encouraging and abetting this behavior.”
The next court appearances for Teague and Thomas are scheduled for May 15 and May 23, 2023, respectively, for arraignment.
