Crime & Safety
Former Coach Accused in Sex Abuse Case
Lake in the Hills resident, Benjamin E. Flavin, 20, is charged with felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
A former wrestling coach accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student turned himself into Crystal Lake Police May 20 after a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
Benjamin E. Flavin, 20, 1118 Viewpoint Dr., Lake in the Hills, is charged with felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse after a police investigation alleged he had engaged in a sexual relationship with the female student in 2010.
School staff reported the incident to police on May 12 and worked with police during the investigation. The victim has denied the relationship occurred.
Find out what's happening in Huntleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to Deputy Police Chief Eugene Lowery, the investigation alleges Flavin met the student at a Crystal Lake recreational facility outside of the school and struck up a friendship, which over time developed into a sexual relationship.
“We believe at this time there was just one incident,” of sexual abuse, Lowery said, which took place in a Crystal Lake residence on or about Nov. 20, 2010.
Find out what's happening in Huntleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The investigation did not find conduct of a criminal nature occurred on the school grounds or while school was in session, that there are other victims in the case or that this incident involved force or coercion.
Crystal Lake School District 47 Superintendent Dr. Donn Mendoza said Flavin had been employed at the school as a part-time wrestling coach from the middle of January to the middle of March in 2010 and 2011.
“He was a wrestling coach for the past two wrestling seasons,” Mendoza said. “He was limited in his employment capacity … he was not a teacher; he has no other responsibilities in the district.”
As is the case with any employee who interacts with students in the district, a comprehensive background check was carried out prior to Flavin’s employment, Mendoza said.
“He had no prior criminal history or contacts of a criminal nature,” he said.
Mendoza said additional counseling support is being provided at Lundahl Middle School for students and staff, which will continue as needed.
Flavin was released after posting 10 percent of a $60,000 bond at the Crystal Lake Police Department. He has a June 15 court date at McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock.
If convicted of the Class 2 felony, Flavin faces up to seven years prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
