Search underway for former St. Charles driving instructor found guilty of sexually assaulting a student

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — A search is underway for a former suburban driving instructor who was found guilty of sexually assaulting one of his students in 2021.

58-year-old Paul Bocska, a St. Charles resident, was found guilty on a slew of felony charges including four counts of criminal sexual assault and 12 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser announced Thursday.

Prosecutors said Bocska was found to have sexually abused the victim on multiple occasions in April and May of 2021 after he was hired as the victim’s driving instructor through his St. Charles-based company, “Drive Now.”

In May of 2023, Bocska was released from custody after posting a $50,000 cash bond.

Bocska was set to return to court on April 17 for his jury trial, but a warrant for his arrest was issued after he failed to appear. The trial took place in his absence, and he was convicted, but authorities have still not been able to track him down.

Authorities are now asking anyone with information on Bocska’s whereabouts to contact the St. Charles Police Department or the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

“The courage of this victim stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of Mr. Bocska. My thanks to the victim and family, as well as Detectives Murawski and Schuessler of the St. Charles Police Department, ASA Amanda Busljeta, and victim advocate Sheila Gray. I’m encouraging anyone with information about Bocska to come forward so that we he can ensure Bocska is taken into custody and held accountable for these horrendous crimes,” Assistant State’s Attorney Matt Rodgers said.

Bocska is scheduled to return to court on June 4, for motions and sentencing.