No Sex Abuse Charges Against James Levine In Lake County: Police

LAKE FOREST, IL — Police and prosecutors in Lake County have closed an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse by longtime Ravinia conductor James Levine without filing criminal charges, police said.

Lake Forest police opened the probe when they were contacted by an alleged victim of Levine in October 2016. A police report documenting his account was obtained by the New York Post and published last week.

Over the weekend, three men publicly accused the prestigious figure in the world of classical music of inappropriate sexual contact, most of which allegedly involved masturbation. Following those reports, several organizations – from the New York Met to the Ravinia Festival – cut ties with Levine.

But, according to Lake Forest Deputy Chief Rob Copeland, investigators determined that no crime took place. They reviewed statements from Levine's accuser, who has not responded to an interview request, and "various witness statements" as they checked out all the evidence and applicable law.

The events in question allegedly took place in 1986 and 1987 when the complainant, a Kenilworth native, was 16 and 17 years old. Copeland said the age of consent at the time, according to Illinois law, was 16.

"As such, even if it were possible to establish the alleged acts took place, they do not constitute a criminal offense under the applicable law," Copeland said in a statement released Friday. "Following careful consideration of all statements, known facts and applicable laws relevant to this case, the decision was made that no criminal charges be brought in this matter. "

Levine issued his first public statement about the allegations Thursday. It said the accusations were "understandably troubling" but "unfounded."

"As anyone who truly knows me will attest," he wrote, "I have not lived my life as an oppressor or an aggressor."

UPDATE – The Lake County State's Attorney released the following statement

The Police have thoroughly investigated the context and content of the complainant’s account of events which, according to the complainant, are alleged to have occurred in the summer of 1986 and 1987 when the complainant was 16 and 17 years old, respectively. In reviewing this case, we are bound to apply the law that was in effect at the time the allegations occurred rather than the law as it currently exists. Regarding the applicable law and statutes in effect at that time, the statutory age of consent for sexual activity within the State of Illinois was 16. None of the statements made by the complainant to the police included any allegations of force. In addition, the police sought records from the establishment where many of the acts were alleged to have occurred. Those records no longer exist. Police spoke with witnesses close to the complainant and the suspect. At the conclusion of the investigation, considering the specific conduct disclosed by the complainant, the age of the complainant at the time, all of the evidence in the case, and the applicable law and the relevant age of consent in Illinois at the time of the alleged incidents, it is our decision that no criminal charges can be brought.

It is important to note that since the time these acts are alleged to have occurred, Illinois law has raised the age of consent to 17. Also, there is now a provision in Illinois law raising the age of consent to 18 in cases where the suspect is in a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to the victim. No similar legal protection existed during the time frame in which these acts are alleged to have occurred.

Read more:

• Ravinia Cuts Ties With James Levine Over Sex Abuse Allegations
• 3 Men Accuse Ravinia Conductor James Levine Of Sexual Abuse
• Ravinia Names James Levine Conductor Laureate

Watch: Ravinia Conductor James Levine Accused Of Sexual Abuse

_{Top photo: James Levine in 2010 | Josh Reynolds | AP Images for Boston Symphony Orchestra}