A former suburban middle school teacher and assistant lacrosse coach was arrested and faces multiple felony charges related to allegations of inappropriate conduct with students, according to authorities.
Alex Buetikofer, 38, was arrested Saturday by the Kendall County Sheriff’s office, according to the Joliet Police Department. According to officials, Buetikofer was facing multiple charges of grooming, solicitation to meet a child, traveling to meet a minor and aggravated battery.
During a Monday morning hearing, NBC 5’s Lisa Chavarria reported Buetikofer was ordered to be held detained, with the judge citing safety of the community. The judge also said “proof was evident,” Chavarria reported, including surveillance video from a school cafeteria and a text exchange.
A release from Plainfield Consolidated School District 202 said Buetikofer was a teacher at Aux Sable Middle School in when the allegations were made.
“District officials placed Buetikofer on administrative leave in early March and removed him from the classroom immediately after learning about grooming allegations against him,” the release said. “The Joliet Police Department investigated the allegations with full District 202 cooperation.”
A separate release from Hinsdale District 86 Supt. Dr. Michal Lach said Buetikofer was also a former Hinsdale Central assistant boys lacrosse coach.
According to Lach, Hinsdale District 86 was notified March 16 of allegations of improper conduct involving Buetikofer related to his employment as a teacher in a separate Illinois school district. A day later, District 86 “ceased all association” with Buetikofer, and he was formally terminated March 26.
The release went onto say the district was notified of Buetikofer’s arrest on April 18.
“At this time, we have no information indicating that any District 86 students are involved,” the release said. Lach also asked any families whose children had contact with Buetikofer that may have raised concerns to contact school administration as soon as possible.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority,” Lach said in the release. “District 86 takes these matters extremely seriously and is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.”
A press conference held by the Joliet Police Department and Plainfield District 202 Superintendent Dr. Glenn Wood scheduled for 12 p.m. Monday was expected to reveal more details.
Buetikofer’s next court date is scheduled 9 a.m. May 7.
