Suburban PTO president learns sentence for grooming child, traveling to meet a minor

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ST. CHARLES, Ill. - A suburban man accused of grooming a child has been sentenced to five years in prison. 

Edward T. Izenstark, 38, of St. Charles pleaded guilty in December to indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a minor, grooming and solicitation of a sexual act.

What we know:

Izenstark began communicating with a minor via FaceTime, phone calls and text on July 8, 2023.

At that time, Izenstark was President of the Thompson Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) in St. Charles, prosecutors said.

Then, around 10:20 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2023, Izenstark drove from his home to Epic Air Trampoline Park in South Elgin to perform sexual acts on a juvenile in exchange for money.

When Izenstark confirmed that he was in the parking lot, the child called 911.

Sentencing:

Izenstark was sentenced to the maximum of five years each on the charges of indecent solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor. On the charges of grooming and solicitation of a sexual act, he was sentenced to the maximum of three years each,

All counts will be served concurrently. 

He received credit for 216 days served in the Kane County Jail. 

 Izenstark must register for a period of 10 years as a sexual offender in accordance with the Illinois Sexual Offender Registration Act.

What they're saying:

Assistant State's Attorney Amanda Busljeta released the following statement following the sentencing. 

"But for the child’s bravery in calling 911 that night, this could have been a very different case. The imposed maximum sentence holds the defendant accountable for his deplorable actions and hopefully sends a message that preying on the most vulnerable in our society will not be tolerated. I want to thank the victim for demonstrating tremendous courage, as well as ASA Hudson, Victim Advocate Sheila Gray, and Elgin Police Department Detective Houghton for their work on this case."