A College of Lake County staffer assigned to help Wauconda High School teens plan their futures is now accused of secretly targeting them instead. Wauconda police say 42-year-old Adam C. Faulkner, a career advisor connected to the high school, was arrested this week after an investigation into allegations that he groomed and solicited two students. Detectives say they first learned of the claims on April 16, pulled Faulkner over in a traffic stop, and later executed a search warrant that turned up evidence. The college has placed him on leave.
Investigation and charges
According to ABC7 Chicago, Faulkner has been charged with two counts of Solicitation of Child Sexual Abuse Material, two counts of Grooming, and two counts of Indecent Solicitation of a Child. Police told the station the investigation came to a head after officers stopped Faulkner for allegedly driving on a revoked license. With help from Lake County K9 Enzo, investigators later searched a home tied to the case and say they seized electronic material that appears to show Faulkner grooming and soliciting two Wauconda High School students.
Search warrant and court filing
Local coverage has backed up details of the raid and the charges now filed. Patch reports that investigators executed a search warrant at a residence connected to Faulkner and that he has since been formally charged in Lake County court. Wauconda police are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Wauconda Police Department Investigations Division at 847-865-0399.
College response and community role
In a statement, the College of Lake County said the employee has not been on college or high school property since the college was notified and that it is cooperating with investigators, as reported by ABC7 Chicago. The college assigns College and Career Navigators to area high schools to help students with postsecondary planning, a program described on the College of Lake County's website, which helps explain why officials moved quickly to place the employee on leave. College officials said they cannot provide additional details because of student privacy rules and the ongoing investigation.
What parents should know
Wauconda police are urging parents and guardians to talk with their children about any interactions they may have had with the advisor and to share anything relevant with investigators. Patch and other outlets note that anyone with tips should call the Wauconda Police Department Investigations Division at 847-865-0399. Authorities say protecting student privacy remains a priority as the probe continues.
Next steps
Faulkner faces multiple criminal counts and will move through Lake County's court system, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Prosecutors and investigators will continue reviewing the seized evidence and will decide whether additional charges are warranted as the case unfolds.
