CLC College and Career Navigator charged with grooming, child solicitation

Adam C. Faulkner, a College of Lake County (CLC) College and Career Navigator (CCN), was arrested April 23 and charged with grooming and solicitation of a child after allegedly engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with two minor students.

In statement released to the press at 9:41 a.m., the Wauconda Police Department said it became aware of Faulkner’s conduct on April 16 and immediately launched an investigation.

The Department, assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Island Lake Police Department, executed a residential search warrant on April 23 and recovered evidence that Faulkner engaged in grooming and solicitation of two female Wauconda Highschool students.

Faulkner was taken into custody just prior to the execution of the warrant following a traffic stop for driving on a revoked license.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges of two counts of solicitation of child sexual abuse material, a Class X felony; two counts of grooming, a Class 4 felony; and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.

Wauconda Police Chief David Wermes said in the release that crimes against children are among the most serious his department encounters.

“We will pursue this case aggressively and work to ensure that anyone responsible is held fully accountable,” he said.

Wermes encouraged anyone with additional information about Faulkner’s conduct to contact the Wauconda Police Department’s Investigations Division.

Prior to these allegations, Faulkner worked with Wauconda High School students as a College and Career Navigator (CCN), serving as a guide to help students transition to CLC by assisting with course selection, enrollment, and access to student resources, a role that brought him into daily contact with minor students.

“I encourage everyone to maintain professionalism and integrity in processing this information. It is very important that we remain focused on serving our students at this time.” – Dr. Lori Suddick

CLC President Lori Suddick issued an all-college statement at 10:56 a.m. stating that Faulkner was placed on immediate administrative leave on April 16, when the initial accusations were made. Suddick said he was barred from any contact with CLC or high school students and has not been on college or school district grounds since that date.

Suddick said CLC is fully cooperating with authorities and will also conduct their own investigation when permitted.

She emphasized that the college is committed to “maintaining a safe and healthy educational environment that is conducive to learning for all students on its campuses and on campuses where staff are assigned.”

Suddick encouraged students and staff to remain calm and professional in responding to the situation.

“A situation such as this can be shocking to a close community like CLC,” Suddick said. “I encourage everyone to maintain professionalism and integrity in processing this information. It is very important that we remain focused on serving our students at this time.”