Judge Says No to Ex-HPHS Sub's Request to Leave Home

Steven Habay (Credit: Patch file photo)

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By Joe Vince

A Lake County judge denied a request Wednesday to loosen the pretrial house confinement of a former Highland Park High School substitute teacher who is is facing charges that include possessing child pornography, cyberstalking and harassment, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

READ: Check Out the Full Chicago Tribune Story for More Details

Steven Habay, 40, of Highland Park, was accused by police in May of posting “disparaging rants” about being released from his job as a substitute teacher at the high school. In July, police discovered images of child pornography on Habay’s computer, which had been seized following May’s arrest, and he was charged with five counts of possessing child pornography.

Habay was released on bond in August. As part of that release agreement, Habay was confined to his parents’ HIghland Park house under a 24-hour curfew and could not have access to computers.

Habay’s attorney asked Judge Daniel Shanes if he would change his client’s bail to allow him to leave his parents’ house for short periods while he awaits trial, according to the Tribune report. Along with following the court-ordered curfew, Habay also has been taking new medication and undergoing voluntary psychiatric evaluations, the report stated.

In denying the request, the judge told Habay he should be happy to be home while he awaits trial, the Tribune reported.

Read Patch’s Coverage of This Continuing Story:

• HPHS Sub Charged with Cyberstalking, Harassment After Being Let Go
• Former HPHS Sub Charged with Possession of Child Pornography
• Former HPHS Sub Released on Bond After Child Pornography Charges