Illinois Paraprofessional Charged After Inappropriate Relationship with Student
The Backstory
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was notified on Monday that a boy under the age of 16 was driving on a public roadway with Sandra Pardo, 38, a paraprofessional at Cyd Lash Academy in Gages Lake.
Investigation and Charges
Lake County detectives launched an investigation and determined that Pardo had an inappropriate relationship with the boy. Detectives learned that Pardo gave the boy a massage and kissed him last week. She also allegedly kissed the boy at school last month.
Arrest and Charges
Sandra Pardo, 38, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with three counts of aggravated battery, solicitation to meet a child, and child endangerment.
Reaction from Authorities
Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg stated that additional charges are possible. “Children have the absolute right to be safe in the school environment and outside of school,” Idleburg said in a statement. “The behavior of this paraprofessional is unconscionable and despicable. 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 their zero-tolerance policy for adults who victimize our most vulnerable.”
Conclusion
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students in educational settings. It is crucial for schools and authorities to take swift and appropriate action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened?
A: A 38-year-old paraprofessional, Sandra Pardo, was arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated battery, solicitation to meet a child, and child endangerment after an investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Q: What was the nature of the relationship?
A: The investigation found that Pardo gave the student a massage and kissed him last week, and also allegedly kissed him at school last month.
Q: What are the charges against Pardo?
A: Pardo is charged with three counts of aggravated battery, solicitation to meet a child, and child endangerment.
Q: What is the response from authorities?
A: Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg stated that additional charges are possible, and the sheriff’s office will continue to have a zero-tolerance policy for adults who victimize children.
