A former Deerfield High School volunteer wrestling coach is facing severe allegations and charges linked to the possession of child pornography. Alexander E. Cohen, age 34, has been charged with 10 counts of possessing images depicting the sexual assault of children under 13. Cohen, who previously served on the coaching staff during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, was confirmed by Township High School District 113 to have been involved with the school's wrestling program.
As per the charges filed in McHenry County Jail, Cohen was apprehended last Thursday, May 8, holding images that no person ought to have, let alone a coach who once mentored young athletes. The details of Cohen's background and current charges were shared in a letter that District 113 Superintendent Chala Holland sent on Saturday to the district community, which was later disclosed by the Chicago Sun-Times. In the same letter, Holland made it clear that these charges were not connected to any other current or former employees or volunteers within the district.
According to the reports, Cohen somehow managed to clear a criminal background check, leading to his initial engagement as a volunteer coach. The FOX 32 Chicago coverage highlighted that during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years, while not actively coaching, Cohen was still referred to as a volunteer coach in the school's wrestling handbook. However, by current accounts, he serves no role and is not listed in any district publications.
"District 113 is unaware of any allegations of criminal activity against the defendant during the time the defendant volunteered as an assistant wrestling coach," Holland stated in the same letter. Anxiety seizes a community as charges like this confront the trust placed in those tasked with the development of its youths. The district is actively seeking information and encourages anyone with relevant knowledge to reach out to Lane Linder, the district's director of security, at [email protected] or anonymously via the D113 Tip Line.
The court will see Cohen again for a follow-up on his case this coming Thursday, May 15. In the meantime, Cohen's lawyer has argued that there is no evidence to suggest his client viewed the materials, a claim that the court will scrutinize as the process unfolds.
