Jacob Wieclaw, Former Lincoln-Way Star Athlete, Avoids Prison Time In Sex Abuse Case

JOLIET, IL - A former star athlete from New Lenox who later went on to work for the Lincoln-Way High School District avoided prison time on Wednesday when he appeared in front of Will County Judge David Carlson. Jacob Wieclaw recently pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of aggravated sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony. At the time of his crime, back in 2014, Wieclaw was 24 years old and employed by the school district when he had sex with a female student who was 16.

The Will County State's Attorney's Office sought prison time for Wieclaw, however, the Will County judge decided that was not warranted for the defendant, who had been a record-setting placekicker for Lincoln-Way Central who went on to play for the University of Miami.

Instead, the judge ordered the 27-year-old Wieclaw to spend the next four years on probation. The judge also ordered Wieclaw to have no unsupervised contact with children, he must register as a sex offender and undergo sex offender psychological evaluation as part of his treatment plan. Furthermore, Wieclaw's DNA will be entered into a national DNA criminal database for convicted felons.

Charles Pelkie, spokesman for the Will County State's Attorney's Office, said that the victim and her family had been supportive of the prosecution's decision to reach a plea agreement with Wieclaw.

"They support this disposition," he said. "The victim and the family did not want to go through the trauma of testifying at a trial."

Pelkie explained that under the terms of the plea agreement, the sentencing judge had discretion to impose a sentence of prison time or instead place the defendant on probation.

At the time of his sex crime, on Jan. 27-28, 2014, Wieclaw had been working for the Lincoln-Way High School District as a paraprofessional and was also a volunteer football coach.

As a four-year starter for Lincoln-Way Central, Wieclaw set the state record for most career field goals, kicking 48. He also set the state record for most field goals in a season with 19 in 2006.

On Wednesday afternoon, Wieclaw's criminal defense attorney Jeff Tomczak of the Tomczak Law Group said that Judge Carlson made the right decision by to putting Wieclaw on probation. He noted that his client will remain a registered sex offender for the rest of his life and be subject to reporting conditions.

However, Tomczak said he's confident his client has what it takes to move past his crime. The judge received between 30 and 40 letters of good character vouching for Wieclaw from his employers, athletic coaches, friends, family and people who know him.

Moreover, Wieclaw had no prior criminal history aside from this one incident, his lawyer said. "I believe Jacob will end up living a very normal life. He's a very determined young man, and I have no doubt that he'll comply with the terms of his probation."

Booking mugshot via Will County Sheriff's Department