CLC Fires Employee Charged With Grooming, Solicitation Of H.S. Students: Officials

GRAYSLAKE — College of Lake County officials say a former employee has been fired after his arrest on charges related to grooming and solicitation of high school students.

The college identified the employee as Adam Faulkner, a College and Career Navigator who worked with students at Wauconda High School.

Last week, Faulkner, 42, was charged with two counts of grooming, two counts of solicitation of child sexual abuse material and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child following an investigation into the alleged inappropriate conduct with two Wauconda high school students.

• Lake Co. Man Charged With Grooming, Soliciting High School Students

Police launched the investigation after learning of alleged inappropriate conduct involving College of Lake County staff members and students.

Officials said Faulkner was removed from school grounds and placed on administrative leave on April 16, ordered to have no contact with students and has since been fired, college officials said Wednesday.

Faulkner had completed a standard background check prior to being hired, according to CLC officials.

Following Faulkner's arrest, the college has temporarily paused in-person college and career navigation services at high schools, is requiring a parent or counselor to be present during virtual meetings with students under 18 and is reviewing potential gaps in its screening processes.

Faulkner, of Island Lake, was arrested Thursday and remains in custody as court proceedings move forward in his case.

Authorities are urging parents to speak with their children about any possible interactions with Faulkner. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 847-865-0399.