A College of Lake County employee assigned to work as a career navigator at Wauconda High School has been charged with the indecent solicitation of two Wauconda High School students, authorities said.
Adam C. Faulkner, 42, of the 700 block of Nantucket Way in Island Lake, has been charged with two counts each of Solicitation of Child Sexual Abuse Material, grooming and Indecent Solicitation of a Child, said Wauconda Public Information Officer Heather Cognac.
If found guilty of the most serious charges against Faulkner, he could be sentenced up to 30 years in prison on each charge.
Cognac said the Wauconda Police Department was made aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a College of Lake County (CLC) staff member and students on April 16.
She said the staff member, later identified as Faulkner, is employed by the College of Lake County and provides college and career services at Wauconda High School.
Faulkner was immediately placed on leave the same day the department began an investigation.
Wauconda Police investigators, with assistance from Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County K9 Enzo (a dog trained in detecting electronics) and Island Lake Police Department, executed a residential search warrant on April 23 in connection with the investigation, Cognac said.
During the search, Cognac said evidence was recovered indicating that Faulkner engaged in the grooming and indecent solicitation of two female Wauconda High School students.
Faulkner was taken into custody Thursday following a traffic stop for driving on a revoked license just prior to the execution of the search warrant.
“Crimes involving children are among the most serious we investigate,” Wauconda Police Chief David Wermes said. “We will pursue this case aggressively and work to ensure that anyone responsible is held fully accountable.”
Parents and guardians are urged to speak with their students about any potential interaction with Faulkner and to come forward with any information by contacting the Wauconda Police Department Investigations Division at (847) 865-0399.
Faulkner is featured in a staff biography page on the CLC website Friday where he described himself as a College and Career Navigator, a proud Lake County native and Carmel High School graduate.
He added in the bio he “pursued my passion for education by earning a degree in History, Secondary Education from Appalachian State University (’06), followed by a Master’s in Education from North Carolina State University (’10).”
He added he spent nearly 15 years working as a paraprofessional and Special Education teacher in Lake County, and was dedicated to helping students succeed in and out of the classroom.
“My goal is to support students in finding educational pathways that align with their passions, goals, and future success,” he said.
Cognac said during the investigation that police worked with the high school and officials from CLC.
“District 118 will continue to partner with the Wauconda Police Department throughout this process, and we appreciate the diligent efforts of the police department as they conduct their investigation,” Wauconda Community Unit School District #118 said on social media Friday.
“The district wants to be as transparent as possible while maintaining the integrity of the police department’s investigation. Mr. Faulkner is employed by the College of Lake County and provided College and Career services at Wauconda High School,” District #118 added on social media.
Officials from CLC also took to social media to share information on Friday.
CLC officials said they will conduct an investigation as soon as it is permitted to do so, but added they were unable to to disclose any information concerning its internal investigation of Faulkner’s alleged conduct due to confidentiality and privacy rights of students and employees.
“The College is committed to providing a safe and healthy educational environment that is conducive to learning for all students on its campuses and on campuses where staff are assigned,” they added.