A Vernon Hills High School soccer coach has been charged with sexually assaulting three students, police said.
School administrators notified the Vernon Hills Police Department on March 8 after learning of “possible criminal conduct involving a member of the Vernon Hills High School Staff and a student.”
The staff member, Cori Beard, 28, of 330 Farmington Lane in Vernon Hills, has been employed by District 128 since 2013. She is currently a part-time assistant soccer coach for both the boys and girls soccer teams at the school.
Investigators learned that Beard was involved in “unlawful sexual acts” with three current Vernon Hills High School boys which occurred between December 2016 and February 2018.
Beard has been charged with twelve counts of criminal sexual assault and is being held at the Lake County Jail on a $1 million bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on March 13.
“The Vernon Hills Police Department, District 128 and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office continue to work on this investigation. Police and school officials understand the significant impact of this investigation and are aware that it will affect students, parents, staff and the community,” police said.
School District 128 officials said that counselors are now available to students and staff. Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Vernon Hills Police Department at 847-247-4884.