Former Deerfield Coach Charged With Child Porn Possession: Sheriff

DEERFIELD, IL — A former volunteer assistant wrestling coach at Deerfield High School is accused of 10 felony counts of possession of child pornography. According to McHenry County court records and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office, Alexander Evan Cohen, 34, was ordered Friday to be held in the McHenry Count Jail on charges of possessing images depicting the sexual assault of children younger than 13. Cohen was due back in court on Thursday.

In a letter to the Township High School District 113 community, Superintendent Dr. Chala Holland addressed Cohen's employment with the district and the charges.

"This is a very concerning situation," Holland said. "Please note that the charges are pending solely against [Cohen] and do not involve any other current or former employees or volunteers."

Holland referred to Cohen's LinkedIn profile, in which he lists himself in the position of social media coordinator/assistant wrestling coach at Deerfield High School from September 2012 to present. Holland said the district was contacted by a reporter covering the court case in McHenry County. Cohen was charged in October 2024. He said the district has not been contacted by police regarding the arrest.

"The defendant served as an active volunteer coach for the Deerfield High School Boys Wrestling Team in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years and had successfully passed a criminal background check," Holland said. "Although he did not actively serve in any coaching capacity, he remained listed as a volunteer coach in the parent wrestling handbook for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. After 2022-23, the defendant was not named in any subsequent handbooks, nor did the defendant serve in any coaching capacity since 2019-2020."

Holland said the district is unaware of any allegations of criminal activity against Cohen during the time he volunteered as an assistant wrestling coach. In the letter, he asks the District 113 community to contact Lane Linder (llinder@dist113.org), director of security, with any additional information to report.

"Students who wish to talk to someone or who may be in need of support should contact their school counselor," Holland said "As a reminder, you can submit a concern anonymously through the D113 Tip Line. Tips can be submitted by phone or text at (844) 224-1521, or through the web portal."