Sandburg HS Football Player Had Sex with Girl, 14, in Classroom: Police

A Carl Sandburg High School football player faces misdemeanor sex charges after police say he had sex with a 14-year-old girl in an empty classroom at the school.

Marcus Payton, 18, of the 600 block of Preston Lane in Bolingbrook, has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor criminal sexual abuse in connection with two separate instances of sex acts that reportedly took place Oct. 30, Chicago Tribune reports.

Students alluded to the occurrences while police were investigating an argument at the school on Nov. 17. Detectives interviewed the girl said to be involved, who told officers that she sought out Payton after telling a teacher that she needed help with math on Oct. 30.

He led her into an empty room, where they engaged in consensual sex, according to the report.

Engaging in sexual activity of any kind with a person under the age of 17 is illegal in Illinois, and misdemeanor or felony charges can follow. Criminal sexual abuse applies if the age difference between the two is less than five years, the victim is at least 13 years old, force was not used, and it is the accused’s first offense. The girl told police Payton knew of her age. Her parents sought to pursue criminal charges.

Payton previously lived in Orland Park before relocating to Bolingbrook. Police do not know the date or reason for his move.

Payton paid $100 bond and was released. His next court date is set for Jan. 6 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.