Cook County Chronicle: Driving Instructor Sentenced to 30 Years for Assaulting Student
Paul Bocska, who fled to Hungary to avoid trial, was convicted of 16 felony sex crimes and ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
By Aiko Sato ·
A St. Charles driving instructor was sentenced to 30 years in state prison this month after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting a student during lessons. Paul Bocska, 60, owned the Drive Now driving school where the offenses occurred. The sentencing took place in Kane County court following a trial held in his absence.
The jury convicted Bocska of 16 felony sex crimes. The charges included four Class 1 felony counts of criminal sexual assault and four Class 1 felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Prosecutors also secured eight Class 2 felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Evidence presented in court showed the assaults happened repeatedly in April and May of 2021.
Bocska used his position as an instructor to abuse the victim. After charges were filed, he failed to appear for his criminal trial. Prosecutors proceeded with the case without him, and the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts. Investigators later discovered that Bocska had fled the United States to avoid the legal process.
The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office worked with the U.S. Department of Justice and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service to locate him. The DSS Chicago Field Office coordinated with diplomatic teams in Budapest and Amsterdam, as well as Hungarian law enforcement. These efforts led to his arrest in Hungary and his extradition to Illinois.
Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Rodgers addressed the defendant's attempt to flee. "The courage of this victim stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of Mr. Bocska," Rodgers said. He credited the victim and law enforcement partners for keeping the case moving forward despite the defendant's absence.
Under Illinois law, Bocska must serve at least 85 percent of the first 24 years of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole. He can earn day-for-day good conduct credit on the remaining six years. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life under the Illinois Sexual Offender Registration Act. Bocska will receive credit for 410 days already served in custody.
