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DeKalb tries to cope with aftermath By KATIE DAHLSTROM kdahlstrom@shawmedia.com
Police Department announced that a search of Arison’s computer uncovered thousands of images of child pornography that had been downloaded, Theriault said. He said it did not appear the material had been manufactured in the community. Countryman said Arison substituted for 20 days in Sycamore schools this school year – nine days at Southeast Elementary, seven days at South
DeKALB – The trust between Rebecca Sager and DeKalb School District 428 has been breached, but she’s still trying to cope with the recent sex abuse charges filed against a substitute teacher. Sager was one of about 70 parents and teachers gathered in the DeKalb High School commons Wednesday at a meeting for parents of students in District 428’s Early Learning and Development Center to talk about allegations that former substitute teacher Andrew J. Arison had sexually abused and assaulted children in the program. “Monsters exist everywhere,” Sager said. “They get wherever they need to go. They’re very smart. All you can try to do is remain vigilant. And even then it happens.” District 428 Superintendent Doug Moeller started the parent night by saying there were no words that could console the parents grappling with the allegations. He went on to say the teachers within the district had been shaken by the incidents as well. Moeller said teachers trusted Arison and considered him an excellent substitute. “There are literally dozens and dozens of our teachers who felt so comfortable with this person that they put them on the
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Monica Synett – msynett@shawmedia.com
Alison Castillo, a parent of a child in the early childhood special education program at South Prairie Elementary School, voices her concern and displeasure during a meeting for parents and the Sycamore Police Department on Wednesday at Sycamore Middle School. The recent events regarding the sexual assault, sexual abuse and possession of child pornography charges against 36-year-old substitute teacher Andrew J. Arison drew concerned parents to the meeting to find out more information.
District 427 officials try to clarify Arison timeline By ADAM POULISSE apoulisse@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – Sickening. Angry. Frustrated. Betrayed. Terrifying. Those were some of the words parent Alison Castillo used during a special meeting between police, school officials and concerned parents in light of the recent events involving predatory and sexual abuse charges against substitute teacher Andrew J. Arison. “I wanted a better expla-
nation as to why I wasn’t contacted personally with the fact this man was around my son,” said Castillo, whose 5-year-old son is in the early childhood special education program at Sycamore School District 427’s South Prairie Elementary School. About 40 parents and teachers gathered at Sycamore Middle School to hear Sycamore Police Chief Glenn Theriault and District 427 Superintendent Kathy Countryman address concerns about the sit-
Read more For details on Andrew J. Arison’s additional charges, see Page A3. uation. John Miller with the child exploitation division of the FBI and detective Sgt. Rod Swartzendruber also were on hand. “This is just an utterly disgusting case,” Theriault said. “We’re cops, but there’s another thing every one of us [is] – parents, and we had the same
reaction everyone else has.” Arison, 36, of the 1700 block of Maness Court in Sycamore, is being held in DeKalb County jail on $4.5 million bond. He is facing charges including aggravated criminal sexual abuse, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, and possession of child pornography. The most serious charge, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, carries a penalty of six to 30 years in prison. Wednesday’s meeting came only hours after the Sycamore
Ex-congressman’s son LaHood to vie for Schock’s seat in U.S. House By KERRY LESTER The Associated Press PEORIA – The son of former White House cabinet member Ray LaHood emerged as the leading contender Wednesday to replace U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, as two other potential candidates abandoned thoughts of seeking the seat that is coming open after a spending scandal forced the Illinois congressman’s abrupt resignation. State Sen. Darin LaHood, a
Republican whose father held the central Illinois seat before Schock and then served as President Barack Obama’s transportation secretary, announced that he would seek the seat Wednesday morning during an appearance on a radio show in Peoria, where his family has resided for decades. “This is an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often,” LaHood said, saying he had received “a lot of encouragement” to make a bid for the
post in the hours that followed Schock’s announcement Tuesday. LaHood, 46, said he plans to campaign on his record as a former state and federal prosecutor, and on his record as a Sen. Darin fiscal conservaLaHood tive who advocated for ethics reform. He told The Associat-
ed Press he considers himself more conservative than his father, a Republican who served under a Democratic president and organized bipartisan retreats to foster cooperation. “We tend to disagree sometimes,” he said. “I’ve got a conservative voting record here, a strong record in the senate, so I’ll stand on that.” Two other GOP state senators – Jason Barickman and Bill Brady – were considering bids, but both said they had
decided against running in a special election that Gov. Bruce Rauner will call after Schock leaves office March 31. It must be held within 120 days, meaning voters will select a replacement by the end of July. A number of GOP officials moved quickly to support LaHood’s candidacy in Illinois’ 18th district, which is predominantly Republican, while others wanted the dust to settle before backing a Schock replacement. Former Illinois Re-
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publican Party chairman Pat Brady said officials likely will be looking for someone who carries a different image than Schock as the district tries to rebound. “I think Darin does fit that bill,” Brady said. “He’s thoughtful, appeals to people on both sides and within the Republican party and has a great name. The district needs most to get this over with quickly and have someone who’s widely respected.”
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