Former state Rep. Nick Sauer pleaded not guilty Wednesday, February 6, 2019 to criminal charges alleging he posted nude images of two women online without their consent.
Nick Sauer, age 36, of Lake Barrington, showed no reaction as a Lake County judge read off 12 counts of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images during his arraignment hearing. The the two female victims initially filed complaints with Chicago Police Department and the Illinois legislative inspector general’s office. The case was turned over to Lake County prosecutors in July 2018.
A former girlfriend, Kate Kelly, on August 1, 2018, said Sauer created an Instagram account using her name and placed the images there to lure men into graphic discussions. In a document submitted to the Office of the Legislative Inspector General, Kelly alleged Illinois house representative Nick Sauer used the Instagram account “to catfish other men using my privately shared naked photos. Nick would use this account to direct message men with my photos to engage in graphic conversations of a sexual nature. The men believed they were communicating with me and Nick shared private details of my life.” The allegations were revealed by Politico.
“Catfish” is a term that refers to a person who pretends to be another identity using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other social media to create the false identity, especially to pursue deceptive online romances.
Sauer immediately resigned from his state House District 51 seat in August 2018.
The second woman, Melissa Kreithen, who would be the first victim if allegations are true, identified herself in a news release, saying she contacted police after seeing a news story about the other woman’s allegations. Kreithen said she met Sauer through social media and they began dating in mid-2016.
According to investigators, Kreithen’s allegations were confirmed when investigators found pictures she privately sent to Sauer were revealed on Instagram.
If convicted of any of the charges, Sauer would face up to three years in prison, according to Judge Patricia Fix said. Probation is also possible.
As a condition of Sauer’s release on bond, he is barred from using social media and cannot contact either of his accusers. Sauer is due back in court Thursday, March 21, 2019 for a case management conference. Sauer’s trial is scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2019.
Sauer’s Charges (12 Counts)
Nine counts involving images posted online between March 24 and July 18, 2018, allegedly of the first woman that came forward.Three counts involving images posted online between September 8 and October 31, 2017, allegedly of the second woman that came forward.
Sauer was elected to the state House in 2016. He is a Republican, and previously served on the Lake County Board, was a member of the Board of Education, Barrington Community Unit School District 220, and Secretary of the Barrington Community Unit School District 220 Board of Education.
The 51st District includes Libertyville, Ivanhoe, Hawthorne Woods, part of Mundelein, part of Tower Lakes, part of Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Kildeer, Deer Park, and Long Grove just north of Lake Cook Road near Arlington Heights.
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Nick Sauer’s civic involvement, according to a Daily Herald profile included …
Chairman of Say YES! to Youth Success: Barrington,
Barrington Lions Club
Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce
Citizens for Conservation
We Do Care – Military Support Organization Barrington Area
4th of July Parade Committee
Volunteer with Royal Family Kids Camps for Foster Children
Cuba Township Republican Precinct Committeeman
Barrington Community Unit School District 220 Strategic Planning Group
SOURCES …
POLITICO | Illinois lawmaker accused of releasing nude photos of ex-girlfriend resigns
Daily Herald | Nick Sauer: Candidate Profile Lake County board District 17 (Republican) 2012