Teacher's Aide Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

OAK LAWN, IL — A teacher’s aide is being held on $500,000 bail following allegations that he sexually assault4ed a student and exchanged inappropriate messages with a student at a special education school in Oak Lawn. Joshua Alexander, 29, of Robbins, appeared for a bond hearing Friday at the Bridgeview Courthouse on felony charges of criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual assault and grooming.

Staff at PRIDE Alternative School, in Oak Lawn, became aware of possible sexual conduct with Alexander and a female student at school on Dec. 2, according to the complaint. Oak Lawn investigators launched an investigation, including executing two search warrants on Alexander and the student’s social media accounts, police said in a news release.

The PRIDE school at 4201 W 93rd St., Oak Lawn, is part of the A.E.R.O. Special Education Cooperative, serving students with special needs. The special education cooperative accepts students from eight public elementary and high school districts in Oak Lawn, Burbank, Evergreen Park, Justice, Summit, Willow Springs and Chicago’s Southwest Side.

Dr. James Gunnell, executive director of AERO, said that Alexander was immediately placed on administrative leave upon learning of the allegations.

“The safety of our students is our highest priority,” Gunnel said in an email to Patch. “We have been cooperating to the fullest extent with the Oak Lawn Police Department throughout the investigation.”

Alexander was ordered not to have any contact with the student, her family or with minors under 18 while his case is pending. Alexander’s next court date is Feb. 20 in Bridgeview.