Former Concordia University Coach Charged with Sexual Assault of a Minor

A former Concordia University coach was arrested Sept. 3 and charged with criminal sexual assault in a case involving a 16-year-old boy, who said he was abused during private pitching lessons.

Bond for Spiro Lempesis, 49 of Rockford, was set at $200,000, according to River Forest police.

Law enforcement spent six months investigating allegations that Lempesis sexually abused a 16-year-old boy at Concordia University. The victim said during the pitching lessons, Lempesis touched his genitals after influencing him to try on sliding shorts or a jock strap. The victim also said Lempesis influenced him to shower with him after a lesson, “and on one occasion penetrated the victim with his fingers,” police reported.

Investigators spoke with witnesses, collected grand jury subpoenas and documents about Lempesis, as well as items, including video footage, removed from his office at Concordia University after he was terminated.

“The investigation is still ongoing and we would ask anyone with information pertinent to this case or regarding any other possible victims to contact our detective unit,” said Deputy Chief James O’Shea in a statement.