Ex-suburban lacrosse coach, teacher thought he was meeting student at McDonald's for sex: police
HINSDALE, Ill. (WLS) -- Joliet police and Plainfield School District 202 officials provided more information Monday, after a former suburban high school lacrosse coach was accused of inappropriate conduct with students.
Officials spoke Monday afternoon at Joliet City Hall.
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Alex Buetikofer, 38, of Lisle was arrested Friday. He is charged with grooming, solicitation to meet a child, a sexual offense of traveling to meet a minor, and aggravated battery, according to the Kendall County Sheriff's Office.
Buetikofer was a Hinsdale Central High School lacrosse coach and Plainfield School District 202 teacher.
He worked at Aux Sable Middle School for two years as a gym and health teacher.
His conduct toward multiple female students led to the investigation, officials said.
"As that investigation progressed, detectives identified multiple instances where Buetikofer tried to establish personal, non-school-related relationships with students," Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said.
Police say students became uncomfortable when Buetikofer asked for their contact information and social media accounts and made nonsexual physical contact with one student.
"I do want to take a moment and honor the tremendous courage it takes to (stand) up about something so difficult. The victims and families who came forward showed extraordinary bravery," Plainfield School District 202 Superintendent Glenn Wood said.
District 86 first became aware of the allegations against the now-former assistant boys lacrosse coach on March 18.
District 86 "took all necessary steps to protect our students" and "ceased all association" with Buetikofer on March 19, officials said. He was formally fired on March 26.
Officials said District 86 has no information indicating that any of its students are involved, but the district is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate.
Joliet police conducted an undercover conversation with Buetikofer for several days this month in which they pretended to be one of his 14-year-old students.
"It was mainly by text. He continued to try to move the conversations over to Snapchat," Joliet police Detective Andrea Espinosa said.
Police say the investigation culminated in a sting, wherein Buetikofer arranged to meet the student at a Yorkville McDonald's for sex.
He was taken into custody, with police searching his rental car.
"These items included alcohol, as well as what appeared to be a sex toy on the front passenger's seat. A blanket was also covering the windows of that vehicle," Evans said. "This case goes way beyond inappropriate communication. It is about an adult who was entrusted with the care and supervision of students allegedly using that position for personal gain."
Buetikofer appeared in court Monday.
He remains in custody in Kendall County Jail.
