Crystal Lake Central Teacher Charged With Felony Grooming

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL -- A Crystal Lake Central teacher has been charged with felony grooming for allegations he used an online service to try and get a juvenile to perform a sex act on him, authorities said. Matt R. Fralick, 48, of the 1300 block of Cunat Court, Apt. 1C, in Lake in the Hills, was arrested on Feb. 1 following an investigation into the allegation by a juvenile, which reportedly happened last April. Fralick, a teacher at Crystal Lake Central and former girls’ basketball and football coach, has been placed on administrative leave as an investigation into the grooming allegation continues, according to media reports.

“At this time, the arrest centers on alleged conduct outside of (the) school and does not involve District 155 students or staff members. We have no reason to suspect that any student or staff member in the district has been in any danger at any time,” Shannon Podzimek, a spokeswoman for Community Unit School District 155, wrote in an e-mail to the Chicago Tribune.

The McHenry Police Department investigated the grooming allegation, which allegedly took place in McHenry, and the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for Fralick’s arrest, according to police and media reports.

“Throughout the course of the investigation, Detectives interviewed the victim, corroborating
witnesses and collected evidence,” according to a news release from the McHenry Police Department.

Fralick is currently free from jail after posting his bond and is next expected in court on Feb. 15.

An investigation is ongoing. The McHenry Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact the criminal investigation division at 815-363-2599. Those wishing to pass along anonymous information are encouraged to call the McHenry Police Department tip line at 815-363-2124.

More via the Chicago Tribune and the Northwest Herald

PHOTO VIA THE MCHENRY POLICE DEPARTMENT