Thornridge High School coach accused of having sexual relationship with student

DOLTON, Ill. (WLS) -- A coach at Thornridge High School in Dolton is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old female player.

Police in neighboring South Holland say Milton McGriggs, 49, had allegedly been carrying on a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student who he had coached in softball and basketball for two years. The victim's mother contacted them after discovering McGriggs and her daughter engaged in sexual activity on July 5 around 4:30 p.m., police say.

"She comes home from work to her home and opens the door, and in the living room she sees an adult man and her juvenile daughter in a state of undress," says South Holland Police Chief Greg Baker.

Police say the mother held McGriggs at her home until officers arrived.

"Mom, basically, she wasn't going to let him get away. Police arrived very quickly," Baker says.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office charged McGriggs with criminal sexual assault, grooming a juvenile and traveling to meet a minor. He will appear in bond court Friday at the Markham Court House.

At an unrelated public meeting at the high school Thursday night, school officials did not address the charges. Parents say the now-former coach violated the trust of the community.

"We can't have that kind of behavior out here at Thornridge High School. We have other issues we tend to. We don't need anything else added," says parent Lena O'lidge.

Thornton Township High School District 205 issued a statement, saying, "This morning Thornton Township High School District 205 was notified by the South Holland Police Department that one of its former employees at Thornridge High School was recently arrested for conduct that may have involved a student. While law enforcement authorities address the matter, the School District will conduct its own investigation. The safety and welfare of students remains the School District's highest priority. School officials are working to support students, families and community members during this process, and are taking every precaution necessary to protect those individuals."

"He's less than a male to harm a female, and then you are talking about a minor," said Linda Milroe, a Thornridge grandparent.

District officials say they're conducting their own investigation.