Parents Charged with Encouraging Daughters to Beat Classmate

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that charges have been filed against the parents of two junior high school sisters who allegedly prompted, facilitated and encouraged their daughters to beat a fellow student. Steven Teague, 36 (d.o.b. 5/17/1986) and Terika Thomas, 30 (d.o.b. 4/4/1993), both of Naperville, are charged with one count of Contributing to the Criminal Delinquency of a Minor, a Class 2 Felony. Teague appeared at a bond hearing last weekend where Judge Luis Aranda set bond at $40,000 with 10% to apply. On April 20, 2023, DuPage County Judge George Ford issued a $40,000 with 10% to apply arrest warrant for Thomas. Teague posted the necessary 10%, or $4,000, and was released from custody. Thomas turned herself in to authorities over the weekend, posted the necessary 10%, or $4,000, and was released from custody.

It is alleged that on April 3, 2023, at approximately 7:00 a.m., the victim was walking to her bus stop while being followed by two female juveniles and their stepfather, later identified as Teague. It is alleged that when the victim walked past her bus stop to the next bus stop, the two juvenile girls, Teague and Thomas, who were in a vehicle, followed her. It is further alleged that once at the bus stop, the juvenile females attacked the victim, throwing her to the ground and punching her with their fists. It is alleged that while the beating was happening, Teague stood by and watched while Thomas got out of her car and encouraged the juveniles to “get her.”

“The allegations that Steven Teague and Terika Thomas not only brought their daughters to attack a classmate but also encouraged and watched on as the beating took place are disturbing,” Berlin said. “Thankfully, the victim of this attack was not seriously injured. My office takes these allegations very seriously and will prosecute these defendants to the fullest extent of the law. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their work on this very disturbing case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Nick Catizone and Alysa Feld for their work on this case.”

“As parents, we have an obligation to teach our children how to appropriately navigate and resolve conflict” Arres said. “Fighting is not the answer, and it’s dismaying to me that two adults would set such a poor example for children by encouraging and abetting this behavior. I’m grateful for the work of our officers and the assistance of DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office in holding these individuals accountable for their actions, and I hope this experience will serve as a lesson to the parents and children involved that this kind of behavior is not acceptable.”

The next court appearance for Teague is scheduled for May 15, 2023, while the next court appearance for Thomas is scheduled for May 23, 2023, for arraignment.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Steven Teague

Terika Thomas

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.