Detectives have arrested an employee of a special education school in Gages Lake who they say had an inappropriate relationship with a student under the age of 16.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said they were notified on Monday about a video posted on social media that showed a boy, under the age of 16, driving himself in a car on a public roadway.
A voice was heard from the passenger area in the video that someone recognized as a paraprofessional at Cyd Lash Academy in Gages Lake, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
The school employee was identified as Sandra J. Pardo, 38, of Grayslake.
Sheriff’s deputies responded and learned that Pardo was spending time with the boy, who is a student at the school, after school hours, Covelli said.
Cyd Lash Academy, which is part of the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL), provides an alternative middle school and high school setting to meet the “unique academic, emotional and social needs” of certain students.
Detectives began an investigation and learned Pardo was not only spending time with the boy but also having an inappropriate relationship with the boy, Covelli said.
Covelli said detectives learned Pardo gave the boy a massage and kissed him during a time they were together last week.
Pardo also kissed the boy while at the school last month, Covelli said.
She was arrested by sheriff’s detectives on Wednesday and transported to the Lake County Jail.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved charges of three counts of aggravated battery, solicitation to meet a child and child endangerment.
The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible. Prosecutors said Pardo immediately quit the school after the sheriff began investigating.
“Children have the absolute right to be safe in the school environment and outside of school. The behavior of this paraprofessional is unconscionable and despicable,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“There is no doubt this behavior is condemned by the thousands of hard-working teachers and school staff from across the county. Our staff will continue our zero-tolerance policy for adults who victimize our most vulnerable,” Idleburg said.
Pardo appeared in First Appearance Court on Thursday morning.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Pardo in custody while she awaits trial. A detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.