Dist. 220 staff member who took own life was under investigation
A Barrington Unit District 220 staff member who committed suicide Wednesday had been under criminal investigation for an allegation of inappropriate sexual contact with a 13-year-old boy, police said.
Steven M. Mirkin, 32, lived in the 400 block of Lageschulte in Barrington, where police found him Wednesday night after a friend called at 8:29 p.m. asking for a well-being check after not being able to reach Mirkin.
The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed suicide as the cause of death Thursday afternoon, the result of a gunshot wound to the chest.
Mirkin was a special services assistant at Prairie Middle School, officials said. On their Facebook site, the district announced Mirkin had lived alone, been employed by Barrington District 220 since 2004 and had begun the school year on a leave of absence.
Barrington police Thursday said the parents of a 13-year-old boy reported on Aug. 15 that their son may have had inappropriate sexual contact with Mirkin at their home.
Barrington police began an investigation and notified school district officials, but had not charged Mirkin with any crime as of Wednesday.
Police said the incidents under investigation, if proven true, may have resulted in multiple charges including aggravated criminal sexual abuse - a class two felony - and related charges.
Investigators could not be reached Thursday night to say whether they had been able to confirm or refute the allegations.
Though police have closed the criminal investigation, anyone who wishes to discuss any incidents of inappropriate behavior involving Mirkin are encouraged to call Barrington police at (847) 304-3400.
School officials say grief counselors will be available for students and staff throughout the school district. In addition, Barrington Youth and Family Services is available to the community for counseling services at (847) 381-0345.
Mirkin's death is the second suicide to hit District 220 in the last nine days. A 17-year-old senior took his own life Aug. 18.