St. Charles, IL – A former Illinois youth justice employee is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a teenager in custody at a state facility.
According to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, Bryana E. Phelan, 25, has been charged with 15 counts of official misconduct, a Class 3 felony. Prosecutors allege the misconduct occurred between November 11 and November 15, 2024, while Phelan was employed as a Juvenile Justice Specialist at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Phoenix Emerging Adult Career & Education (PEACE) Center in St. Charles.
Authorities allege Phelan violated state law and department policies by socializing with a male youth in custody who was over the age of 17. The allegations include that she drove him around in a facility vehicle for personal reasons, engaged in a sexual relationship, and participated in multiple sexually explicit phone calls. Prosecutors further allege she encouraged the youth to masturbate in front of her during one of these interactions.
Court records show Phelan was formally charged on August 25, 2025. A summons requires her to appear in court at 9 a.m. on September 18, 2025, at the Kane County Judicial Center.
Officials stressed that the charges are accusations and not proof of guilt. Phelan is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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