Evanston, IL - Two employees of Evanston/Skokie School District 65 were arrested on February 5 by Chicago police and charged with multiple sex crimes involving children. Authorities identified the suspects as Carlos Mendez, 51, an assistant principal at Washington Elementary School, and his girlfriend, Maribel Flores-Hernandez, 34, a paraprofessional at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center (JEH).
Arrests and Allegations
According to charging documents, Mendez was taken into custody at his home on the 7800 block of West Addison Street in Chicago. He faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, domestic battery, and being a fugitive from justice under an out-of-state warrant.
Investigators accuse Mendez of sexually abusing a minor who is a family member of Flores-Hernandez over a two-year period. Prosecutors allege that Flores-Hernandez coordinated the abuse through “grooming and coercion.” Both are being held without bond.
Florida Warrant and Additional Claims
The out-of-state warrant originated in Florida, where both Mendez and Flores-Hernandez allegedly abused another minor relative during a family trip to Miami last June. Officials at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said Mendez has waived extradition to Florida, though any proceedings there will likely be delayed until his Illinois case concludes.
District 65 Responds
Mendez had been on leave from District 65 since October 28, 2025. The reasons for that leave were not disclosed at the time. His photo and professional information remained on the Washington Elementary website as of this week.
District spokesperson Hannah Dillow issued a statement Wednesday confirming that the allegations do not involve District 65 students.
“Carlos Mendez has been on a leave of absence since October 28, 2025. It is the District’s understanding that the allegations in question are unrelated to his professional responsibilities and do not involve any District 65 students,” Dillow said. “The safety and well-being of our community remains our highest priority.”
Washington Elementary Principal Elizabeth Cardenas-Lopez and JEH Director Narishea Parham both emailed their school communities, reiterating that the cases are personnel matters and that no District 65 students were involved. Flores-Hernandez has been on leave since January 16.
Ongoing Court Proceedings
Mendez and Flores-Hernandez are scheduled for a court appearance on February 25 at 11:30 a.m. Domestic battery is classified as a misdemeanor, while the sexual abuse charges are felonies, according to Cook County prosecutors.
Background
Mendez has been employed by District 65 since 2011. In 2023, a parent at Washington Elementary reported him to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for alleged inappropriate conduct, but the claim was dismissed and publicly described by supporters as racially motivated.
“What Can Families Do Now?” Illinois Lawyer Explains Legal Options After Child Sex Abuse by a School Principal
When a school principal is accused of sexually abusing a child, families are left grappling with fear, anger, and urgent questions about what happens next. Experienced Illinois sexual abuse lawyer Erv Nevitt shares the legal paths available to families: from the criminal process handled by prosecutors to civil lawsuits aimed at accountability, compensation for therapy and long-term care, and potential reforms within school districts that may have ignored warning signs.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When families learn that a school administrator is accused of sexually abusing a child, what are the main legal paths they can consider in Illinois?
Erv Nevitt, Esq.: They’re looking at two parallel tracks. One is the criminal case, which the state handles and which can result in prison, probation, or registration requirements. The other is a civil claim, where the family can seek compensation from the individual and, when the facts support it, from the school district or other entities that may have failed to act on warning signs.
Banville: How does a civil case help a family beyond whatever happens in criminal court?
Nevitt: A civil lawsuit can address medical and therapy expenses, long-term counseling, educational support, and other damages that the criminal system doesn’t cover. It also allows families to obtain records through discovery and ask hard questions about what the school knew, when they knew it, and what steps they did or did not take. That can prompt policy changes so other children are safer going forward.
Banville: If the alleged abuse happened off campus or during a trip, can families still look at the school’s potential responsibility?
Nevitt: Yes, depending on the circumstances. Courts will look at whether the school had prior notice of troubling conduct, whether there were complaints that weren’t properly handled, and whether the district followed its own safety and reporting policies. If an administrator was given access to children despite red flags, that can form the basis of a negligence claim against the district.
Banville: What should a family do in the first few days after they learn of abuse involving a school official?
Nevitt: Report the allegation to law enforcement and child protective services, make sure the child is safe, and get them connected with a trauma-informed therapist. At the same time, they should consult an attorney experienced with Illinois sexual abuse cases as early as possible. That helps preserve evidence, track deadlines under the statute of limitations, and ensure that any contact with the school or insurers doesn’t unintentionally harm the child’s legal rights.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Family’s Legal Options
Families coping with abuse allegations against a school official do not have to move forward alone. Our legal team can review what happened, explain your options under Illinois law, and help protect your child’s rights and privacy. If you suspect your child was harmed by a principal or other school employee, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation so you can start taking informed steps on your family’s behalf.
