Ex-Soccer Coach Pleads Guilty, Gets 6 Years For Sex With Students

VERNON HILLS, IL — A former soccer coach who admitted having sexual relationships with at least two teenage boys was sentenced to prison Thursday and must register as a sex offender for the rest of her life. Cori Beard, 29, of Vernon Hills, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault and one count of attempted criminal sexual assault in exchange for a prison sentence of six years followed by two years of probation, community service and potential treatment programs.

Beard is a Vernon Hills High School graduate who was assistant coach for the boys' and girls' soccer teams from November 2015 until the time of her arrest in March, according to Libertyville-Vernon Hills High School District 128. She had no prior criminal history prior to facing a 12-count indictment.

Prosecutors claimed Beard had assaulted the boys between 2015 and February 2018. They said two boys who Beard admitted sex with, aged 14 and 15, who previously played on soccer teams she coached, according to the Daily Herald. Baird's lawyer, arguing previously his client should be released on bond, said she posed no danger to the community or risk of fleeing court.

Lake County Circuit Judge Victoria Rossetti accepted the plea deal Oct. 25, according to the Lake Count News-Sun. Under the plea agreement, Beard will not be eligible for parole until after five years in prison. She faced up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all 12 counts.

Related:

• Soccer Coach Facing Sex Assault Charges Fired, Remains Jailed
• High School Soccer Coach Accused Of Sexual Acts With 3 Boy