Illinois paraprofessional charged after inappropriate relationship with student

The Brief

• A Lake County paraprofessional, Sandra Pardo, 38, was arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student under 16.

• Investigators said she kissed the boy multiple times, including at school, and allowed him to drive on a public road.

• Pardo faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery, solicitation to meet a child, and child endangerment, with authorities warning additional charges may follow.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill – A paraprofessional in Lake County was charged after the discovery of an inappropriate relationship with a 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.

Lake County detectives launched an investigation and determined Pardo had an inappropriate relationship with the boy. Detectives learned Pardo gave the boy a massage and kissed him last week. She also allegedly kissed the boy at school last month.

Sandra Pardo, 38, was arrested Wednesday. She was charged with three counts of aggravated battery, solicitation to meet a child and child endangerment.

What they’re saying

Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said 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 our zero-tolerance policy for adults who victimize our most vulnerable.”

The Source

The information in this report came from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.