A former Chicago Public Schools dean was found guilty of sexually abusing a student at his West Side High School.
A jury deliberated for just over three hours Wednesday before finding Brian Crowder, 43, guilty on four of the seven counts he faced, including aggravated sexual assault.
The abuse began over a decade ago when Crowder was working as the dean of students at the Greater Lawndale High School for Social Justice. Crowder began messaging the student on social media and eventually brought her to his home.
The student was between 15 and 17 years old when the abuse occurred.
On two occasions, she became pregnant and Crowder brought her to get an abortion, posing as her stepfather, according to prosecutors.
Crowder was removed from his position at the school in 2021 after the student filed a police report.
The student, now a 24-year-old woman, has also filed a civil suit against Crowder and Chicago Public Schools.
Just over a year ago, Crowder agreed to plead guilty to a count of sexual abuse in exchange for prosecutors dropping six other counts, including aggravated sexual assault. But the deal fell apart when prosecutors announced that Crowder would have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Crowder is due back in court next week for pre-sentencing motions and faces a possible sentence of 14 to 60 years in prison.
Crowder’s attorney said Wednesday they are reviewing the convicted counts’ “legal sufficiency.”
