Former Hinsdale Central assistant boys lacrosse coach Alex Buetikofer is facing a barrage of criminal charges after his arrest Saturday in Joliet, in a case that authorities say involves a student from outside Hinsdale Township High School District 86. Buetikofer, 38, was taken into custody over the weekend, and district officials say they cut ties with him weeks before the arrest after learning of the allegations.
Arrest And Charges
Buetikofer was arrested Saturday in Joliet, with the criminal counts detailed by the Kendall County Sheriff's Office, according to ABC7 Chicago. The station reports he is accused of grooming, solicitation to meet a child, traveling to meet a minor for a sexual offense, and aggravated battery. Authorities have not released specific information about the alleged victim, including where the student attends school or when the alleged incidents took place, beyond saying the situation arose outside District 86.
District 86 Response
Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Superintendent Dr. Michael Lach told families the district was first notified of alleged improper conduct by Buetikofer on March 18, that it "ceased all association" with him on March 19, and that his employment was formally terminated on March 26, according to Patch. The outlet also reported that Buetikofer lives in Lisle and had been working as a physical-education teacher at Freedom Middle School in Berwyn.
The district said it has no information indicating that any District 86 students are involved and noted that it is cooperating with investigators, according to Patch.
What Officials Are Saying
In his letter to families, Lach urged anyone with concerns to come forward. "If your child has had any contact with Alex Buetikofer that raises concerns, or if you have any information you believe is important to share, we strongly encourage you to contact your building principal as soon as possible so that we can respond appropriately," he wrote, according to Patch.
Public records referenced by Patch list multiple charges in the case, including four counts of solicitation to meet a child, two counts of grooming, two counts of aggravated battery, and one count of traveling to meet a minor for a sex offense. Investigators have not announced a court date and say more information will be released as it becomes available.
Next Steps For The Community
Buetikofer is presumed innocent while the criminal case moves forward, and authorities said additional details would be shared when appropriate, according to ABC7 Chicago. District 86 has asked families to contact building principals if they have concerns and reiterated that it is cooperating with law enforcement. This story will be updated if court records, official statements, or further reporting provide new information.
