Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog
Kevin Skowron, a 22 year-old Chicago area man, was charged Monday with predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual assault stemming from two separate incidents at the Buehler YMCA in Palatine, Illinois. Bail was set at $350,000 for Skowron, a resident of the 1800 block of West Ashbury Lane in Inverness. Skowron is accused of sexually molesting a 4 year-old girl last Saturday and a 7 year-old girl last month while working as a swim instructor at the suburban Chicago YMCA. Skowron has been a swimming instructor with the YMCA since 2004.
Authorities were led to Skowron following a physical altercation between Skowron and the father of a 4 year-old girl. According to reports, the 4 year-old told her mother that Skowron had initiated inappropriate physical contact during her swimming lesson. The girl’s mother informed YMCA officials of the incident and called the father who was at home. At that point, the father allegedly drove to the YMCA to confront Skowron and punched him in the face. No charges have been filed against the girl’s father.
The incident does not represent the only time that Skowron has been the subject of a molestation accusation. A 7 year-old girl claimed that Skowron made inappropriate physical advances toward her during a swim lesson last October. The girl’s parents subsequently informed the YMCA which called the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). According to Palatine police Commander Kurt Schroeder, the incident prompted the Palatine Police Department to begin an investigation with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Child Advocacy Center. During the course of this investigation, the 7 year-old was unable identify Skowron. If the YMCA knew or should have known of the prior allegations against Skowron they could be liable for significant civil damages. The Palatine Police Department is currently working with the State’s Attorney’s Office to determine if there are any other victims.
The law offices of Joseph G. Klest represent sexual abuse victims throughout Illinois. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, exploitation or assault, you need a lawyer with experience handling these highly sensitive and emotional cases. Contact Joseph G. Klest for a confidential, free initial consultation.