Sex Abuse Charges Filed Against Bremen HS Assistant Principal

Bremen High School Assistant Principal Joseph Simone has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated battery based following his interaction with a student in January 2016.

Simone, 43, allegedly invited a 16-year-old female student to his office to demonstrate “stretching tips” for her sports-related injury. The student alleges he then began touching her inappropriately.

“These charges are shocking to the District and the conduct alleged within these charges clearly falls outside of our core values and the expectations we hold for all of our staff members,” said Superintendent Bill Kendall in a written statement. “District 228 continually strives to create a safe and caring learning environment for all students and student safety is one of our main priorities.”

The District was first made aware of the student’s allegations on Jan. 12. Officials contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Midlothian Police Department. Dr. Simone did not return to work on Jan. 13 and, instead, the District conducted an internal investigation regarding the allegations. Dr. Simone was placed on administrative leave that day, and has not returned to the district since.

“District 228 will move forward and take any and all appropriate actions against Dr. Simone based upon the results of the investigations in this matter,” Kendall said.