The community is raising questions after police announced Tuesday afternoon that they are investigating a contracted employee at Wauconda High School, who is also a College of Lake County staff member.
Wauconda Police Department Public Information Officer Heather Cognac said Tuesday afternoon that the police department “has been made aware of a situation involving a contracted staff member from the College of Lake County who provides services within Wauconda High School.”
“Upon receiving this information, the individual was placed on administrative leave by the College of Lake County pending the outcome of an investigation,” Cognac said.
Wauconda police detectives are still in the early stages of gathering information.
“We understand this situation may cause concern within the community and raise questions,” Cognac said. “We will provide updates as appropriate while maintaining the integrity of the investigation.”
Cognac said there is no known ongoing threat to Wauconda High School students or staff.
Police are coordinating with the high school and CLC.
Police have not yet released any further information on the investigation or its nature.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the Wauconda Police Department at 847-526-2421.
“Please know District 118 is continuing to partner with the Wauconda Police Department to assist in their investigation,” Wauconda Community Unit School District #118 said on social media.
“As always, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance, and we are grateful for the work of the police department as they navigate the investigative process,” District #118 added.
The community is raising questions on social media, with several residents saying the police department’s statement on Tuesday is too vague and lacks detail.
Lake & McHenry County Scanner has reached out to Wauconda High School and CLC, as well as the police department, for further information and comment.
Cognac added that the police department is not currently releasing additional information to protect the investigation and said the statement was released to address circulating rumors.
Detectives are still interviewing the parties involved.
Police are expected to release more details on the case when possible.
CLC officials told Lake & McHenry County Scanner Wednesday morning that they are aware of the police investigation.
“The College immediately placed the employee on administrative leave upon being made aware of the alleged situation,” CLC said.
“The employee has not been on college or high school property since the College was notified. The college is cooperating with police in their investigation to the fullest extent possible. Due to confidentiality and privacy rights of the students and employees, the college is unable to provide any additional information at this time. CLC is committed to providing a safe and healthy educational environment that is conducive to learning for all students,” CLC added.